Bus driver groped lone female student after turning off lights and refusing to open doors

Key facts

• Kartik Kamiesh Kumar was charged with indecent assault after groping a 46-year-old international student on a bus.
• The incident occurred on February 12, 2024, at around 10:10 pm on a bus heading to West Auckland.
• Kumar turned off the bus's indoor lights, refused to open the doors, and asked to kiss the victim's hand before rubbing her breast.
• The victim was the only passenger on the bus and was listening to music on wireless headphones when the driver tried to speak to her.
• Judge Terry Singh ruled the charge proven, finding the victim's story consistent with CCTV footage and Kumar's evidence 'self-serving'.
• Kumar claimed he grabbed the victim's wrist because he thought she had stolen something, but the judge rejected this defense.
• The victim appeared via audio-visual link from her home country with a translator present in court.

A night ride turns into a nightmare

A bus driver turned off the interior lights of his vehicle late one evening, refused to open the doors, and asked a lone female passenger if he could kiss her hand. Fearing for her life, the woman—an international student—complied. Driver Kartik Kamiesh Kumar then kissed her hand before rubbing her breast, an act for which he was charged with indecent assault. Kumar denied the charge in a judge-alone trial at the Waitakere District Court yesterday, claiming he had grabbed the victim's wrist because he suspected her of stealing. But Judge Terry Singh ruled the charge proven, finding the victim's account “consistent” with the bus's CCTV footage, while Kumar's evidence was “self-serving.”

The victim's account: a routine journey interrupted

The victim, who appeared via audio-visual link from her home country with a translator present, testified that she was a student at an English language school in Auckland's central business district. She regularly took two buses to and from school and her home in West Auckland. On February 12, 2024, she finished school at 9:30 pm and began her journey home. She boarded her second bus around 10:10 pm, did what she “always did”—said “hi” to the driver, tagged on with her Auckland Transport card, and sat down. She was listening to music on her wireless headphones until she noticed the driver trying to say something to her. Thinking she might have forgotten to tag on, she stood up to approach the driver, dropping her headphones in the process.

The assault and the driver's defense

The driver shut off the bus's indoor lights and refused to open the doors, creating a confined and frightening situation for the lone passenger. He then asked if he could kiss her hand. The victim, fearing for her life, offered her hand. Kumar kissed it before rubbing her breast. In court, Kumar denied the charge, asserting that he had grabbed the victim's wrist because he believed she had stolen something. However, Judge Terry Singh rejected this explanation, noting that the CCTV footage corroborated the victim's version of events. The judge described Kumar's evidence as “self-serving” and found the charge proven.

Legal proceedings and outcome

The trial took place at the Waitakere District Court, where the victim testified remotely from her home country with the assistance of a translator. Judge Terry Singh presided over the case and delivered the verdict, ruling that the charge of indecent assault was proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge emphasized the consistency of the victim's story with the bus's CCTV footage, which undermined Kumar's claim of theft. The court did not immediately announce sentencing details, but the conviction carries significant implications for Kumar's career and reputation.

Wider context: international students and safety

This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by international students, who often navigate unfamiliar environments alone. The victim, a student at an English language school, was returning home after a late class when the incident occurred. Her status as an international student may have added to her sense of isolation and fear. While the case is specific to New Zealand, it echoes broader concerns about the safety of public transportation and the treatment of foreign students. Advocacy groups have called for stronger protections and support systems for international students, who contribute significantly to local economies and cultural diversity.

What comes next

With the conviction secured, the court will proceed to sentencing. Kumar faces potential penalties including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent mark on his record. The victim, who has returned to her home country, may seek compensation or other remedies through civil proceedings. The case also prompts questions about the responsibilities of transit authorities in ensuring passenger safety. Auckland Transport may review its policies regarding late-night bus operations and driver conduct, particularly when a single passenger is aboard.

The bottom line

• A bus driver in West Auckland was convicted of indecent assault after groping a lone female international student on a late-night bus.
• The driver turned off the lights, refused to open doors, and asked to kiss the victim's hand before the assault.
• The victim's account was supported by CCTV footage, leading the judge to reject the driver's theft claim as 'self-serving'.
• The case underscores the vulnerabilities of international students and the need for enhanced safety measures on public transport.
• Sentencing for Kartik Kamiesh Kumar is pending, with potential legal and professional consequences.