Bahadurgarh Gang Rape: How a UPI Payment for Liquor Led Police to the Accused

Woman gang-raped by 5 at Bahadurgarh dhaba; how UPI liquor payment led to 4 arrests

A chilling crime in the quiet lanes near the Bahadurgarh Green Line Metro station has sent shockwaves through Haryana. A 42-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped by five men at a deserted roadside dhaba after being followed from a bus stop . The case, which initially seemed like a dead end in a remote location, took a dramatic turn thanks to an unexpected piece of digital evidence: a UPI payment for liquor. This single transaction became the critical lead that allowed the Jhajjar Police to identify and apprehend four of the five accused, turning a potential nightmare into a story of modern investigative prowess .

The Bahadurgarh gang rape is not just a heinous act of violence; it’s a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities women face in public spaces and a powerful case study in how digital footprints can be used to deliver justice.

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The Crime and the Digital Clue

The victim’s ordeal began on a routine bus journey. She was followed by a group of men who later forced her to a secluded dhaba, where the assault took place . With little physical evidence and no immediate witnesses, the investigation could have stalled. However, the perpetrators made a critical error: they used a UPI app to purchase liquor at the dhaba shortly before or during the crime .

This digital transaction, a seemingly mundane part of everyday life, left a permanent, traceable record. Unlike cash, a UPI payment is linked directly to a bank account and a mobile number, creating a direct line from the crime scene to the suspect. For the police, this was the breakthrough they needed .

How Haryana Police Tracked the UPI Payment

The process of tracing a UPI transaction is a coordinated effort between local police and specialized cyber units. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it likely unfolded in this Bahadurgarh gang rape case:

  1. FIR and Initial Inquiry: After the victim filed her report, police secured the dhaba’s location and began questioning the owner.
  2. Identifying the Transaction: The dhaba owner confirmed a UPI payment for liquor around the time of the incident. He provided the transaction ID or the phone number that received the payment.
  3. Cyber Cell Coordination: The Jhajjar Police would have immediately looped in the Haryana Police Cyber Crime Cell. They are authorized to request data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the relevant bank .
  4. Unmasking the Suspect: Using the transaction details, the cyber cell identified the bank account and the registered mobile number of the payer. This information was then cross-referenced with other evidence, including CCTV footage from the area, to pinpoint the suspect’s identity .

Once the first suspect was identified, the investigation snowballed, leading to the arrests of his associates. This method highlights a crucial shift in law enforcement, where financial data is now as vital as fingerprints or DNA.

The Role of Cyber Cells in Modern Investigations

Gone are the days when digital evidence was a novelty. Today, cyber cells are at the forefront of solving a wide range of crimes, from fraud to violent offenses. The Haryana Police Cyber Crime Cell has been particularly active, even issuing public advisories on safe digital practices .

Their ability to quickly access and analyze digital trails is a game-changer. In this case, their expertise transformed a simple payment receipt into a powerful tool for justice. Citizens are encouraged to keep records of all their digital transactions, as they can serve as critical evidence in any legal dispute .

Women’s Safety on Haryana’s Public Transport

This horrific incident underscores the persistent dangers women face while using public transport. While Haryana has reported a decrease in overall crimes against women, with 9,488 cases in 2024 compared to 11,814 in 2023, the fear remains palpable . Public transport and neighbourhoods are still cited as primary hotspots for harassment .

In response, the Haryana government has announced a significant initiative to install vehicle location tracking devices in all public transport vehicles to enhance women’s safety . This real-time tracking system is expected to be a “milestone in establishing a safe transport system for women in the state” . Such technological interventions, combined with vigilant policing, are essential steps toward creating a safer environment. You can learn more about our coverage of women’s safety initiatives on [INTERNAL_LINK:womens-safety-india].

Conclusion: A Digital Lifeline for Justice

The Bahadurgarh gang rape case is a harrowing reminder of the violence that can occur in the shadows. Yet, it also offers a glimmer of hope. It demonstrates that in our increasingly digital world, criminals leave behind a trail that is harder than ever to erase. The quick action by the Jhajjar Police, leveraging the power of a simple UPI transaction, shows that technology, when used ethically and effectively by law enforcement, can be a powerful ally for victims seeking justice. The hunt for the fifth accused continues, but the digital net is closing in.

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