Indian-Origin Rideshare Driver Arrested in US Sexual Assault Case

By Manisha Sahu
America News World
December 19, 2025

An Indian-origin rideshare driver has been arrested in the United States after being accused of sexually assaulting a young woman who was allegedly unconscious during a late-night cab ride in California. The case has sparked renewed concerns over passenger safety in rideshare services and prompted authorities to appeal for more potential victims to come forward.

Simranjit Singh Sekhon, 35, was arrested on December 15 and charged with sexually assaulting an unconscious individual. (Photo: X/@Dapper_Det)

The suspect, Simranjit Singh Sekhon, 35, was taken into custody on December 15, 2025, and booked on charges of rape of an unconscious person, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing and that additional victims may exist.

Details of the Alleged Incident

According to investigators, the alleged assault occurred in the early hours of November 27. Sekhon is accused of picking up a 21-year-old woman from a bar in Thousand Oaks, California, at around 1:00 a.m. The woman had requested a ride to her home in Camarillo.

Police said the woman was heavily intoxicated and in no condition to care for herself at the time of the pickup. During the journey, she reportedly lost consciousness and fell asleep in the vehicle.

Although the ride was marked as completed in the system, investigators allege that Sekhon continued driving around the Camarillo area with the unconscious passenger still inside the vehicle. During this time, authorities say he sexually assaulted the woman.

The victim later reported the incident, prompting an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Sexual Assault Unit.

Arrest and Charges

Following weeks of investigation, detectives arrested Sekhon on December 15. He was formally charged with raping an unconscious person, a serious felony offense under California law.

Prosecutors cited the victim’s inability to give consent due to her condition as a central element of the case. Authorities have not released further details about the evidence collected, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Court Proceedings and Bail

Sekhon appeared in court for his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to reports. The court set his bail at $500,000, reflecting the gravity of the allegations.

His next court hearing is scheduled for later this month. If convicted, Sekhon could face a lengthy prison sentence under California’s sexual assault laws.

Who Is Simranjit Singh Sekhon?

Simranjit Singh Sekhon is described by authorities as a California-based rideshare driver and a resident of Bakersfield. Officials have not disclosed which specific rideshare or cab service he was working for at the time of the alleged incident.

Law enforcement has also not released information regarding Sekhon’s immigration or visa status, stating that it is not relevant to the criminal investigation at this stage.

Beyond these details, little is publicly known about Sekhon’s personal background.

Police Seek Additional Victims

Authorities believe the case may not be isolated. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has stated that detectives suspect there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

“The investigation remains active,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Officials have urged anyone with information related to the case, or who believes they may have had a similar experience, to contact law enforcement immediately.

Police emphasized that victims can come forward confidentially and will be treated with respect and care throughout the process.

Safety Concerns Around Rideshare Services

The case has once again brought attention to safety concerns surrounding rideshare services in the United States, particularly for passengers traveling alone late at night.

While rideshare companies have introduced safety features such as trip tracking, emergency buttons, and driver background checks, law enforcement agencies continue to encourage riders to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior.

Experts say incidents involving intoxicated passengers highlight vulnerabilities that can be exploited by drivers or others in positions of trust.

Community Reaction

News of the arrest has drawn widespread attention on social media and in immigrant communities, with many calling for stricter oversight of rideshare drivers and improved passenger protections.

Advocates for victims of sexual assault have stressed the importance of reporting such crimes, noting that delayed reporting is common due to fear, trauma, or shame.

“This case underscores why survivors need to feel safe coming forward,” one victim advocacy group said in a statement.

Legal Process Ahead

As the legal proceedings move forward, prosecutors will need to establish that the victim was incapable of consent and that the assault occurred as alleged. Sekhon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any civil action has been filed against the rideshare company involved.

Appeal for Information

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office continues to ask members of the public for assistance. Anyone with information related to the case, or who believes they may have encountered similar misconduct, has been urged to contact the sheriff’s office directly.

Law enforcement officials say public cooperation could play a key role in ensuring accountability and preventing further harm.

The arrest of Simranjit Singh Sekhon marks a significant development in an investigation that has raised serious questions about passenger safety, accountability, and trust within rideshare services. As the case unfolds, authorities stress the importance of vigilance, reporting, and support for victims.

The coming weeks will be critical as the court process continues and investigators determine whether additional charges or victims emerge.