E-rick driver killed, accused of sexual assaults

Police in Lucknow have revealed that Ajay Kumar Dwivedi, a recently slain e-rickshaw driver, was accused of sexually assaulting five women. This information came to light during the questioning of his brother, Dinesh Kumar Dwivedi, who has been arrested. DCP Vishwajeet Srivastav explained that the brothers operated e-rickshaws, often targeting lone female passengers at night. They strategically waited near bus stands and railway stations, trying to lure women who seemed vulnerable. They offered low fares to convince the women to get in. Once inside the e-rickshaw, they would change routes, taking their victims to deserted areas under false pretenses. They not only robbed the women but also attempted sexual assaults. If a victim resisted, they used violence to prevent them from escaping. On March 18-19, Ajay picked up a 32-year-old woman from Alambagh bus stand. He misled her and called Dinesh to join them at Andhe Chowki. When she attempted to call her family, Ajay took her phone. They took her to Malihabad, where they tried to assault her. After their attempt failed, they strangled her to death. The case broke open when police tracked down Dinesh, leading to his arrest. On March 21, police received tips about Ajay's whereabouts. They set up an operation but when officers signaled him to stop, Ajay fired at them, leading to a gunfight. Ajay was shot and later died after being taken to a medical facility. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.