The Civil Police in Rio de Janeiro are conducting an investigation into a disturbing case involving the rape of a 71-year-old woman on a public bus. The incident reportedly took place on the night of Sunday, the 22nd, when the woman was traveling to visit her sister in the Jacaré neighborhood. She boarded a bus operated by Sancetur, transitioning from the 371 line to the 383 line, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly passengers in public transportation settings.

The victim recounted that she entered the bus at Avenida Presidente Vargas, en route to her home in downtown Rio when the driver began a conversation with her. Despite her clear request to stop the bus at a predetermined location, the driver continued until reaching a different stop, where he then turned off the lights of the vehicle. This action escalated the situation, and the victim described her horrifying experience as the driver allegedly assaulted her, leading to a swift investigation by the Delegacia de Atendimento à Mulher (Women’s Police Station).

This case raises significant concerns about safety for women and the elderly in public transportation systems, especially considering that the main suspect is someone entrusted with the responsibility of transporting passengers. The ongoing investigation emphasizes the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals in such settings and enforce accountability for offenders. Public outcry and media coverage of the incident are likely to demand greater oversight and potential policy reforms in the transit authorities to mitigate risks associated with similar crimes in the future.