Driver accused of raping woman in remote location

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A driver, who allegedly raped a Filipina in his car after offering to drop her to a shopping centre, has been charged in the Court of First Instance with kidnap, rape and theft.
The 23-year-old Pakistani, identified as R.A, is accused of forcefully taking the woman, who worked as a secretary at a firm, to a remote location in Al Qusais industrial area where he allegedly raped her.
He is also accused of stealing her cash (Dh500), purse, personal cards, mobile phone and other belongings.
The incident took place on December 22 last year.
The complainant, 24, said in her statement during the investigation that R.A lured her to ride in his car on the pretext of discussing about some products he wanted to advertise on her company's website.
"However, he drove me to some place in Al Qusais where he suddenly pulled me to the backseat and forced himself on me," she told the prosecutor. He later pushed her out of the car after snatching her purse.
A police corporal said that they arrested R.A from Al Qusais area. "He claimed he had consensual sex with the woman and also said he took her purse and phone because she was not willing to return a sum of money he had lent her."
Another policeman said that he reached the scene around 11 pm and found the complainant crying. "She was sitting on her knees in a sandy yard. She was wearing a short skirt and had scratches on her knees."
She told the officer that a man kidnapped her from Shaikh Zayed Road and then raped her. She also said that the man used a gun to intimidate her. She said he later disposed of the weapon in the same place where he left her.
The forensic medicine report showed that the woman sustained bruises to her head, knees, arms, and left hand.
According to the report, the defendant's DNA traces were found on the complainant's body.
The hearing has been adjourned to August 9.
mary@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai