Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Sonipat, Jan 18: A nineteen-year-old woman in Haryana’s Sonipat district was subjected to a harrowing ordeal on January 16 after accepting a ride from an acquaintance.

While waiting for public transport at ITI Chowk, the victim was approached by a young man from her own village who was traveling with two companions.

Trusting the familiar face, she accepted their offer of a lift home, but the group instead diverted to a liquor store. After consuming alcohol, the men drove the teenager to a deserted location, where they reportedly forced her to drink before gang-raping her.

Local authorities at the Bahalgarh police station acted swiftly following the victim's immediate report, filing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for gang rape and common intent.

While one suspect has been taken into custody, a manhunt continues for the remaining two men, estimated to be in their early twenties.

This tragedy marks a disturbing trend in the region; just weeks prior, a twenty-five-year-old woman was abducted under similar circumstances on the Gurgaon–Faridabad Road.

In that earlier instance, the victim was held captive in a moving vehicle—alleged by the family to be a disguised ambulance—and was eventually thrown from the car, suffering severe facial injuries.

Both cases have intensified scrutiny regarding commuter safety and the recurring violence against women seeking transit in Haryana.