West Delhi gang rape: Bus traced to Bihar was plying with several challans pending

NEW DELHI: Initial probe into the recent sexual assault inside a private sleeper bus in Delhi has indicated that the vehicle was operating despite multiple violations and pending fines. The probe has extended to Bihar, where a team has gone to verify details.

The bus, having a Bihar licence plate, was registered in Gopalganj. Delhi Police has reached out to the Gopalganj transport department to procure comprehensive records of the vehicle's history and compliance status.

Sources said the bus was earlier digitally impounded by transport authorities for violations, including operating without a valid permit, overloading and speeding, but it continued to ply. Police are yet to confirm if the pending challans totalled to Rs 4 lakh and the bus was blacklisted in the records of Bihar’s transport department.

Initial investigation revealed that the bus belonged to a private entity in Gopalganj and was operating under a 'tourist permit' to facilitate travel between Bihar and Delhi.

The cops will collect the records of the challans issued against the bus, and verify the authenticity of its driver’s licence and other documents. “We are also trying to ascertain since when the two accused were operating and possessing the bus,” an officer said.

The city itself has witnessed high traffic violations by private buses, with Delhi Police data showing a 116% jump in challans this year compared to 2025. Between Jan 1 and March 24, the traffic police issued 6,566 challans to private bus operators against 3,029 during the same period last year.

Common violations by these private buses include operating without valid permits, speeding, overloading passengers and goods, and running buses without proper fitness certificates.

Delhi Police will question the vehicle owner to determine how the bus remained operational and whether he had any knowledge of the criminal activities occurring on it.