Ride-hail driver charged with raping passenger
BOSTON — An Uber driver charged with raping a female passenger has been held on $10,000 bail.
Ranjan Thapa pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday.
Boston police say the 26-year-old Thapa, of Everett, was pulled over by Northeastern University police at about 1 a.m. Sunday.
University police noticed that his passenger appeared to be in distress and may have been a victim of sexual assault, so summoned city police.
The woman was taken to the hospital and after an investigation, police arrested Thapa.
Thapa's family said they were shocked by the allegations and described him as a full-time student who worked two jobs.
His lawyer said the sexual encounter was consensual.
Uber called the allegations "deeply troubling" and said Thapa is no longer driving for the company.
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