Uber cab driver diverted route with intent of rape: Prosecution

New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Rape-accused Uber taxi driver Shiv Kumar Yadav, instead of taking his woman passenger to her destination, diverted the route with the intention to commit rape, the prosecution told a court here Thursday.

While advancing final argument in the case, special public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava told Additional Sessions Judge Kaveri Baweja that accused Yadav has diverted the route to commit rape of the victim.

Citing the victim's statement, he further added that while committing the offence, Yadav also slapped her and sought to strangle her.

Referring to the doctor's testimony, he said that medical examination of the scratch marks on the neck of victim appeared that she was strangulated.A

However, the court adjourned the argument after the defence counsel Dharmendra Mishra told judge that he is going file an appeal in Delhi High Court challenging court's order that refused his plea seeking to recall witnesses in the case.

The court then deferred the matter for further hearing Monday.

Meanwhile, the court also directed the Delhi Police and Tihar jail authorities to ensure Yadav security after accused alleged attacked in a prison van and jail.

The prosecution Jan 31 completed recording of evidence in just 17 days.

According to police, the woman executive was allegedly raped by 32-year-old Yadav inside his cab on the night of Dec 5, 2014.

The court Jan 13 framed charges of rape and causing grievous bodily harm and endangering the life of a woman, kidnapping a woman, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt against Yadav under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.