A man from Paterson, New Jersey, has been charged with sexually assaulting a female passenger while working as an Uber driver. The rideshare company confirmed that 28-year-old Harbir Parmar was a registered driver on their platform at the time of the incident.
According to the authorities, Parmar allegedly sexually assaulted the woman after picking her up from a New York City bar in October 2016. The victim had requested to be dropped off at her residence in White Plains but was instead taken to Parmar’s apartment in Paterson, where the assault took place.
Following the incident, the victim contacted the police, leading to Parmar’s arrest. He has since been charged with aggravated sexual assault, burglary, and theft by extortion. If convicted, Parmar could face significant prison time.
This case highlights the importance of safety measures for passengers using rideshare services. Uber and other companies must prioritize thorough background checks on drivers, implement additional safety features in their apps, and promote safety training for drivers to ensure the well-being of their passengers.
Riders are advised to take necessary precautions, such as verifying the driver’s name, photograph, and vehicle details before entering the car, sharing trip details with friends or family members, and trusting their instincts if they feel unsafe during the ride. This case serves as a reminder that both rideshare companies and their users must prioritize safety to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
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