Cab ride horror in California: Indian-origin driver accused of raping unconscious passenger

The accused, Simranjit Singh Sekhon, was taken into custody following a detailed investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office into the sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman in Camarillo.

Authorities said the case came to light after the Major Crimes Sexual Assault Unit received a report in November 2025 alleging that a rideshare passenger had been assaulted while incapacitated.

What investigators allege happened

According to investigators, Sekhon, a Bakersfield resident, picked up the woman from a bar in Thousand Oaks at around 1 am on November 27.

Law enforcement officials said the woman was intoxicated and unable to take care of herself at the time.

During the journey, the passenger reportedly lost consciousness. Police allege that although the ride was marked as completed on the app, the driver continued driving around Camarillo with the unconscious woman and sexually assaulted her.

Arrest, charges and court proceedings

Sekhon was arrested on December 15 and booked into a pre-trial detention facility.

He has been charged with rape of an unconscious person, with prosecutors citing the victim’s vulnerability as an aggravating factor.

During his arraignment, Sekhon pleaded not guilty to the charges. A court set his bail at $500,000, and his next hearing is scheduled for December 29.

Authorities have not disclosed which rideshare platform the accused was driving for at the time of the alleged assault, nor have they provided details about his immigration or employment status.

Police fear more victims may come forward

Detectives involved in the case have indicated that there may be additional, as-yet-unreported victims.

The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with relevant information to contact investigators as the probe continues.

The case has drawn attention amid heightened scrutiny of passenger safety in rideshare services across the United States.

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly stressed the importance of reporting assaults promptly to prevent repeat offences and ensure accountability.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further details may emerge as the case proceeds through the courts.