Lucknow auto driver who assaulted exam-bound girls shot in police encounter
Synopsis
An auto-rickshaw driver in Lucknow allegedly diverted two exam-bound women to a deserted spot and assaulted them — then opened fire on police when cornered. The accused, who has a prior 2024 rape case, was shot in the leg and arrested, putting Uttar Pradesh's public transport safety record back under scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
Hasim , an auto-rickshaw driver from Hardoi operating in Lucknow , was shot in the leg during a police encounter on the intervening night of Monday-Tuesday, 9 June .
He is accused of diverting two women students from their intended destination in the Para area and assaulting them.
The victims were travelling from Charbagh to appear for an examination in Raebareli .
Police traced the accused using CCTV footage and technical evidence; he allegedly fired at officers before being apprehended near Munnu Khera Pulia .
Hasim has a prior criminal record, having been arrested in 2024 in connection with a rape case.
The accused is in custody; investigation and further legal proceedings are continuing.
An auto-rickshaw driver accused of diverting his route and assaulting two young women travelling to an examination in Raebareli was shot in the leg during a police encounter in Lucknow during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, 9 June, officials confirmed. The accused, identified as Hasim, a native of Hardoi, has been arrested and is receiving hospital treatment.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Kamlesh Dixit, the two students had boarded a train from Charbagh and hired an auto-rickshaw to reach the roadways bus stand, from where they planned to travel to their examination centre in Raebareli. Instead of taking them to the bus stand, the driver allegedly diverted to a deserted location in Lucknow's Para area, where he harassed and assaulted the women.
The victims reportedly raised an alarm, prompting the accused to flee the scene. Police were subsequently alerted, an FIR was registered at the local police station, and officials ensured the two students were safely sent to appear for their examination.
How Police Traced the Accused
Investigators examined CCTV footage from nearby areas and gathered technical evidence to establish the suspect's identity and movements. The accused was identified as Hasim, a resident of Hardoi living in rented accommodation within the Para police station limits, who worked as an auto-rickshaw driver in Lucknow.
Police teams tracked him to the vicinity of Munnu Khera Pulia. When officers attempted to apprehend him, Hasim allegedly tried to flee and opened fire on the police team. Officers retaliated, and Hasim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. He was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment.
What the DCP Said
'We traced him and found him near Munnu Khera puliya. He tried to run, and we tried to stop him. He fired at the police, so the officials also retaliated. During this, he got shot in the leg. He has been arrested and sent to the hospital for treatment,' DCP Kamlesh Dixit said.
Prior Criminal Record
Officials also disclosed that Hasim has a prior criminal record. According to police, he was arrested in 2024 in connection with a separate rape case. Further legal proceedings are under way in connection with the current matter, and the investigation is ongoing.
The case has drawn attention to the safety of women passengers using public transport in Uttar Pradesh, a concern that authorities have repeatedly pledged to address. How swiftly the legal process concludes will be closely watched.
Point of View
Raising pointed questions about bail oversight and repeat-offender monitoring. The victims' determination to appear for their examination despite the trauma is a detail that deserves more than a footnote. Whether the state's public transport safety mechanisms — CCTV coverage, auto-rickshaw licensing checks — are adequate remains the structural question this case reopens.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the two exam-bound women in Lucknow?
Two young women travelling from Charbagh to appear for an examination in Raebareli hired an auto-rickshaw to reach the roadways bus stand. The driver, identified as Hasim, allegedly diverted to a deserted spot in Lucknow's Para area and assaulted them. Police were alerted, an FIR was registered, and the women were safely escorted to their examination.
Who is the accused auto driver and what is his background?
The accused has been identified as Hasim, a native of Hardoi who was living in rented accommodation in Lucknow's Para area and working as an auto-rickshaw driver. Police say he has a prior criminal record, including an arrest in 2024 in connection with a rape case.
How was the accused traced and arrested?
Police used CCTV footage from the Para area and technical evidence to identify Hasim and track his movements. He was located near Munnu Khera Pulia, where he allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the police team. Officers retaliated and he was shot in the leg before being arrested.
What is the current status of the case?
Hasim is in police custody and is receiving hospital treatment for a gunshot wound to the leg. Further legal proceedings are under way, and the investigation into the matter is continuing, according to officials.
Why does this case raise broader safety concerns?
The incident highlights risks faced by women using public transport in Uttar Pradesh, particularly when travelling alone to examination centres. The fact that the accused had a prior arrest in a rape case in 2024 has raised questions about repeat-offender monitoring and bail oversight in the state.
