Indian-origin cabbie charged with rape in US

NEW YORK: A 35-year-old Indian-origin cab driver has been charged with the alleged rape of an unconscious passenger in the US state of California, according to the district attorney's office. The accused, Simranjit Singh Sekhon of Bakersfield, pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance on Wednesday.

According to a press release by the Ventura County district attorney Erik Nasarenko, Sekhon, a driver for a cab-hailing service provider, picked up the victim outside a bar late on Nov 27 to transport her to her home. Sekhon allegedly continued driving the victim, who was intoxicated and had passed out, after the ride ended and sexually assaulted her. He was arrested on Monday. Sekhon remains in custody. An early disposition conference has been scheduled for Dec 29.