Delhi Woman Escapes Alleged Rape Attempt, Hides Overnight in Uttarakhand Forest

A 31-year-old woman from Delhi spent a terrifying night hiding in a forest in Uttarakhand after allegedly being attacked by her taxi driver. The incident occurred after she hired a taxi in Kathgodam for travel to Nainital on March 5, 2026.

Details of the Incident

The woman arrived in Kathgodam from Delhi via Dehradun and hired a taxi for Nainital. According to police reports, around 1:30 a.m., the driver diverted the vehicle onto a deserted road in Patwa Dangar near Nainital. When the woman questioned the change in route, the driver allegedly stopped the vehicle, began to assault her, and attempted to rape her, likewise snatching her mobile phone. Hindustan Times, Tribune India

To escape the attack, the woman fled into the woods and hid overnight. She was eventually discovered on the morning of March 6 by a local woman who alerted authorities. She then reached the Tallital Police Station with the help of locals and filed a police report.

Arrest and Investigation

Police swiftly responded to the report, collecting evidence and sending the woman for a medical examination. The accused, identified as Deepak Singh Bora, 39, from Pines Bhawali Road, was arrested. Tribune India. The taxi was tracked using CCTV footage, its registration number, and GPS data. India Today reported the arrest.

The victim’s stolen mobile phone was recovered from Bora, and his vehicle was seized. A case has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to rape, robbery, and abduction.

Police Response and Warnings

Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manjunath TC stated that the safety of tourists and the public is a top priority. He affirmed that strict legal action will be taken against those who commit such crimes. Hindustan Times

SSP Manjunath also warned taxi owners to verify driver paperwork before allowing them to operate vehicles, stating that non-compliance will result in strict action. He noted that the accused was driving a taxi belonging to someone else.