Badlapur School Van Molestation Case: Driver Arrested, RTO Takes Strict Action
In a shocking incident from Badlapur, Thane, a school van driver has been arrested for allegedly molesting a four-year-old pre-primary student. The accused was produced before the special Pocso court on Friday and has been remanded to police custody until January 27.
RTO Crackdown on Illegal School Transport
The Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken stringent measures in response to the crime. Officials have seized the driver's licence, imposed a hefty fine of Rs 24,000, and cancelled the registration of the van involved. Investigations revealed that the vehicle was illegally used to transport schoolchildren with a private number plate, violating RTO regulations that mandate yellow plates and a T-permit for school transport.
Furthermore, the school failed to provide the required details to the RTO as per rules, highlighting systemic lapses. The RTO has also initiated action against four other private vehicles in Badlapur that were operating unauthorised school transport services, signaling a broader crackdown on such violations.
Congress Demands Accountability from State Government
The Congress party has demanded strict action not only against the accused driver but also against the school management. The party has questioned the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra, asking what preventive measures the government has taken to avoid such incidents, especially after a similar case in Badlapur about one and a half years ago.
Congress Mumbai chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad stated, "The incident in Badlapur has once again proved that under the BJP-led Mahayuti government, neither women nor young girls are safe. The previous case of sexual assault on schoolgirls in Badlapur sparked public outrage, but the government learned no lesson from it, nor did it take action against the BJP functionary-affiliated school involved."
Congress state chief Harshwardhan Sapkal added, "The incident is outrageous and shameful. In Maharashtra, criminals of all kinds appear to be running amok, while the government and the law-and-order machinery seem helpless. Those in power no longer have the will or courage to act against criminals."
How the Crime Unfolded
The crime came to light on Thursday afternoon when the child failed to reach home by her usual time of 12:30 PM, causing her family to worry. She arrived about one hour late in a distressed state. After repeated questioning, she disclosed the crime that took place inside the vehicle to her parents.
The family first complained to the school and then filed a formal report at the Badlapur West police station. Police acted swiftly, arresting the accused immediately and registering a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Pocso Act.
Community Outrage and Ongoing Investigation
Enraged locals vandalised the van in a display of public anger. Preliminary investigations indicate that the crime occurred after school hours when the child was alone in the van. Police are currently probing the accused's background and awaiting the child's medical report to gather further evidence.
This case underscores the critical need for stricter enforcement of school transport regulations and better safety protocols to protect young children from such heinous acts.
