A 25-year-old woman who was allegedly gang-raped in a moving ambulance in Faridabad last month has identified both accused during a test identification parade, a key development that significantly strengthens the prosecution’s case. Police officials said on Thursday that they have gathered sufficient evidence and are in the process of filing a chargesheet against the two men in the coming days.

Identification Parade Strengthens Case

According to senior police officers, the test identification parade (TIP) was conducted on Wednesday under strict legal protocol and in the presence of a duty magistrate. During the procedure, the survivor successfully identified both men accused of sexually assaulting her, confirming her earlier statements recorded during the investigation.

“The identification parade was conducted as per procedure before a magistrate, and the survivor correctly identified both accused. We have collected substantial evidence, and the chargesheet will be filed soon,” a senior officer involved in the investigation said.

The identification is considered a crucial step in criminal cases, particularly those involving violent sexual offences, as it establishes a direct link between the accused and the crime at an early stage of the judicial process.

The Incident: Assault in a Moving Ambulance

The alleged crime took place in the early hours of December 30 last year and sent shockwaves across Haryana and beyond due to its disturbing nature. The survivor, a mother of three, was reportedly walking along a road in Faridabad when the two accused approached her in an ambulance and offered her a lift.

Trusting the offer, the woman boarded the vehicle, unaware of what was to follow. According to police, once the ambulance was in motion, the two men allegedly raped her inside the moving vehicle. Investigators have stated that the accused took advantage of the isolation and the false sense of security associated with an ambulance to commit the crime.

After the assault, the accused allegedly pushed the woman out of the speeding vehicle near Raja Chowk in Faridabad. The impact caused her serious head and facial injuries, leaving her critically wounded on the roadside.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

The severely injured woman was rushed to a hospital, where she received emergency medical care. Police said she remained hospitalised for about a week following the assault due to the severity of her injuries. She was discharged earlier this week after her condition stabilised.

Medical examinations conducted as part of the investigation played a vital role in corroborating her account of the assault, officials said, adding that forensic evidence has also been collected and preserved.

Arrest of the Accused

Following the registration of the case, Faridabad police launched a swift investigation that led to the arrest of both accused. One of the men hails from Mathura, while the other is from Jhansi, both districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Investigators revealed that the two accused were employed as a driver and a helper on an ambulance operated by a private hospital. This detail has raised serious concerns about background verification processes for ambulance staff and the potential misuse of emergency vehicles.

After their arrest, both men were produced before a court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. Police said custodial interrogation helped them piece together the sequence of events and gather additional evidence related to the crime.

FIR and Legal Proceedings

An FIR was registered at Kotwali police station based on a complaint lodged by the survivor’s family. The case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to rape, gang rape, and causing grievous hurt.

Police officials stated that statements of witnesses, medical reports, forensic findings, and electronic evidence have all been compiled as part of the investigation. The successful test identification parade has further reinforced the prosecution’s case ahead of trial.

“The investigation is at an advanced stage. Once all formalities are completed, the chargesheet will be filed in court,” an investigating officer said.

Public Outrage and Safety Concerns

The case has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concerns over women’s safety, particularly during late-night hours and in situations involving public or emergency transport. The alleged misuse of an ambulance — a vehicle typically associated with help and medical emergencies — has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and women’s rights activists.

Many have called for stricter monitoring of private ambulance services, mandatory police verification of staff, and installation of GPS tracking and CCTV cameras in emergency vehicles to prevent such incidents in the future.

Focus on Justice for the Survivor

Police officials said they are ensuring that the survivor receives all necessary legal and psychological support. Counselling services have been offered, and authorities have assured that her identity will be protected throughout the legal proceedings, in keeping with the law.

Senior officers also emphasized that the case would be pursued with urgency and sensitivity. “Crimes of this nature require a firm and prompt response. We are committed to ensuring justice for the survivor,” a police official said.

The Road Ahead

With the identification of the accused completed and the chargesheet expected to be filed soon, the case will move into the trial phase. Prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on the survivor’s testimony, medical and forensic evidence, and the results of the identification parade.

As the legal process unfolds, the case stands as a grim reminder of the persistent threats faced by women and the urgent need for stronger safeguards, accountability, and swift justice to deter such heinous crimes.