The courage and presence of mind displayed by a 27-year-old woman helped thwart an alleged sexual assault attempt by a cab driver in Bengaluru during the early hours of Wednesday.

The woman, originally from Assam and employed in the city, had booked an Ola cab shortly after midnight to return home after visiting her sister in A Narayanapura. What began as a routine journey soon turned into a frightening ordeal.

Driver allegedly deviated from route

According to her complaint, the cab driver, identified as 42-year-old Isub, failed to follow the route shown on the navigation system. When questioned, he allegedly claimed he was taking an alternative route to avoid traffic.

However, instead of heading towards her destination, the vehicle reportedly moved through several roads before stopping at a secluded stretch near Aduru Cross.

Woman raises alarm and fights back

Police said the driver allegedly entered the rear seat and began making unwanted advances towards the woman. She alleged that he molested her and attempted to sexually assault her despite her repeated resistance.

Refusing to give up, the woman immediately called her husband and shouted for help. Her desperate cries over the phone alerted him to the danger she was facing.

Investigators believe her resistance and the ongoing phone call unsettled the accused. The driver allegedly pushed her out of the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene.

Quick response leads to arrest

Even after being forced out, the woman reportedly tried to stop the accused by grabbing his collar through the vehicle window as he drove away.

Her husband alerted the 112 emergency helpline, while a passerby stayed with the distressed woman until police arrived. Based on her complaint, Avalahalli police launched an investigation and arrested the accused.

He has been booked on charges of sexual harassment and assault with intent to disrobe a woman and has been remanded to judicial custody.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over women’s safety and the importance of swift reporting and emergency response mechanisms.