BOSTON, England (Diya TV) — A food delivery driver working for Uber Eats has been sentenced to prison after raping a female customer at her home in Boston, Lincolnshire, authorities said.
Jitendrakumar Prajapati, 47, received a 44-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to rape. The court reduced his sentence from five years due to his guilty plea. He also received an 18-month sentence for sexual assault, which will run concurrently. Officials confirmed he will face deportation after serving his sentence. The case has raised serious concerns about safety in the growing food delivery sector. It highlights risks faced by customers when interacting with delivery workers at their homes.
According to prosecutors, Prajapati delivered food to the victim’s home around lunchtime on Jan. 14. During the visit, he started a conversation with the woman. He claimed he had recently moved to the area and needed help with his visa application.
He asked for her contact details and requested her Instagram account. The victim agreed and shared her phone number. Authorities said Prajapati used this interaction to build trust. A few hours later, at around 5 p.m., he returned to the woman’s home uninvited. At first, they engaged in casual conversation. Soon after, the situation escalated. Prajapati raped the victim inside her home.
After leaving the property, Prajapati sent the victim a message saying, “Hey, I’m sorry.” Investigators later found that he changed his WhatsApp settings. He updated his username and activated disappearing messages set to delete after 24 hours. The victim confronted him through messages and accused him of rape. Court records show that Prajapati responded with repeated apologies. He also begged her not to report the crime. Despite this, the victim contacted the police immediately.
Lincolnshire Police praised the victim for her quick action. Officers launched an investigation within hours of the report. Police located and arrested Prajapati by 9 p.m. the same day. They initially charged him with rape and non-fatal strangulation. Prosecutors later dropped the strangulation charge in court. Detective Constable Jessica McKiernan, who led the investigation, credited the victim’s courage for the swift arrest.
“Her trust in us allowed officers to begin immediate inquiries,” McKiernan said. “Her bravery ensured the suspect was quickly located and held accountable.”
At Lincoln Crown Court, the judge sentenced Prajapati to a custodial term of three years and eight months. The court considered his guilty plea while reducing the sentence. Officials also issued a deportation order due to his immigration status. Authorities confirmed he will be removed from the United Kingdom after completing his prison term.
The case has sparked renewed debate about safety measures in app-based delivery services. Customers often interact with drivers in private settings, which can create vulnerabilities. Lincolnshire Police emphasized their role in the justice system. In a statement, the department said it focuses on protecting the public, investigating crimes, and gathering evidence.
“Police forces do not decide sentencing,” the statement read. “Courts determine penalties based on the law and evidence presented.”
Officials commended the victim for reporting the assault without delay. Investigators said her decision helped secure critical evidence and led to a fast arrest. Authorities hope the case encourages other victims to come forward. Police stressed that early reporting can make a significant difference in securing justice.
