Indian-Origin Driver Arrested in California for Allegedly Raping Unconscious Passenger

An Indian-origin rideshare driver in California has been arrested and charged with raping an unconscious passenger during a late-night ride in November, with investigators warning that there could be additional victims.

The accused, identified as 35-year-old Simranjit Singh Sekhon, was taken into custody following an investigation by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The probe began after the Major Crimes Sexual Assault Unit received a report of an assault in Camarillo.

According to police, Sekhon picked up a 21-year-old woman from a bar in Thousand Oaks around 1 am on November 27. Authorities said the victim was intoxicated and unable to care for herself.

Investigators allege that although the ride was marked as completed, Sekhon continued driving with the unconscious passenger in his vehicle, taking her around Camarillo before sexually assaulting her. “After the completion of the ride, Sekhon drove the unconscious victim around Camarillo and sexually assaulted her,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.

Sekhon, a Bakersfield resident, was arrested on December 15 and booked at a pre-trial detention facility on charges of raping an unconscious victim, with an aggravating factor cited due to the victim’s vulnerability. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.

His bail has been set at $500,000, and his next court hearing is scheduled for December 29. Authorities have released his photograph but have not disclosed the rideshare company he was working for, nor details regarding his immigration or employment status.

Police are urging anyone with information or additional complaints related to Sekhon to contact investigators as the inquiry continues and evidence is reviewed for potential further victims.