The 30-year-old driver of a private school bus has been arrested in Navi Mumbai for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl, an official said on Friday, reported PTI.
The victim, a student at a local kindergarten and primary school, was reportedly targeted while being transported home in a private vehicle hired for student transit.
Incident Details and Sequence of Events
According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred around 12:30 PM on Wednesday in the Kamothe area. The 30-year-old accused driver was executing his routine drop-off route for students. Police reports indicate that after all other children were dropped off at their respective locations, the three-year-old girl remained alone inside the bus. The driver allegedly took advantage of the situation to sexually assault the child before completing the drop-off, reported PTI.
Disclosure and Immediate Reporting
The assault came to light shortly after the child returned home and complained of severe abdominal pain. Upon being questioned, the minor disclosed the nature of the abuse to her grandmother. Realizing the severity of the situation, the victim's family promptly alerted the management of the school and proceeded to the local police station to file an official complaint against the driver, reported PTI.
Legal Charges and Statutory Provisions
Following the initial complaint, law enforcement authorities registered a formal case under relevant statutory frameworks. Charges were filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to the rape of a child under 12 years of age. Additionally, stringent charges were invoked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to ensure a comprehensive criminal investigation.
Court Remand and Ongoing Investigation
Following the registration of the case, police located and arrested the 30-year-old suspect. He was subsequently presented before a magistrate court in Panvel on Thursday. The court remanded the accused to police custody until Saturday, allowing investigating officers time to collect evidence, complete medical formalities, and build the legal case against the driver. Authorities continue to gather information to ensure a thorough investigation into child safety protocols during student transport, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
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