Full Breakdown
Bus Driver Convicted of Indecent Assault on International Student in Auckland
5/5/2026, 11:24:44 AM
Incident Overview
On 12 February last year, an international student returning from an English-language school in Auckland’s CBD boarded a Pavlovich Coachlines bus driven by Kartik Kumar. After alighting, the victim said Kumar asked to hug her, kissed her hand, and pressed his hand repeatedly against her breast for about three seconds before the doors opened. She fled, called her boyfriend, and filed a police report that night. A judge-alone trial in the Waitakere District Court found the indecent assault charge proven, citing consistent testimony and CCTV footage.
Background & Context
Kumar had 13 years of bus-driving experience and had been with Pavlovich Coachlines for 18 months. The company hired him and about 50 other drivers from a Fiji agency to address staff shortages, describing him previously as “nice, quiet, and reliable.”
Key Figures & Groups
- Kartik Kumar – driver, defendant.
- Victim – unnamed international student.
- Andre Dreyer – operations manager, Pavlovich Coachlines.
- Pavlovich Coachlines – bus operator.
- Judge Terry Singh – Waitakere District Court.
- Prosecutor Jazween Mala – police.
- Lawyer Angus Graham – defense counsel.
Timeline
- 12 Feb (year unspecified): assault on bus.
- April 2025: Kumar’s police statement read in court.
- Early May 2025: trial concluded, verdict delivered.
- End of May 2025: discharge hearing or sentencing date scheduled.
Why It Matters
The case highlights passenger safety concerns on public transport, operator accountability, and potential immigration consequences for non-citizen drivers facing criminal convictions.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Singh described the CCTV evidence, which had been professionally lightened, as highly indicative and concluded Kumar deliberately switched off the lights to hide the assault. Prosecutor Mala disputed Kumar’s claim that the victim threatened to use the emergency exit. Dreyer said the company instructed Kumar not to physically touch passengers. The company declined further comment, citing the judicial nature of the case.
Criticism & Opposition
During cross-examination, Mala highlighted contradictions in Kumar’s lighting account and the implausibility of other passengers dropping the alleged stolen item.
On-the-Ground Report
The victim, via audio-visual link with a translator, said she feared she might be killed if she refused Kumar’s unwanted hug request, leading to compliance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Dispute exists over whether the bus lights were on, the exact nature of the breast contact, and the alleged emergency-exit threat.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rather than saying he touched my breast, it would rather be he rubbed repeatedly on my breast,” — Victim
- “Please let me hug you” — Kartik Kumar
- “We made it very clear that he is not to physically touch passengers.” — Andre Dreyer, Operations Manager, Pavlovich Coachlines
- “A representative for Pavlovich Coachlines said it would be “inappropriate” to comment further on this case as it was a “judicial” matter.” — Pavlovich Coachlines spokesperson
What’s Next
The court will hold a discharge or sentencing hearing at the end of May 2025.
