Badlapur School Van Driver Arrested for Molesting Four-Year-Old Girl
A 37-year-old school van driver has been arrested by the Badlapur West police for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The incident took place on Thursday while the accused was dropping the child home after school, leading to swift police action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
According to police reports, the victim is a junior KG student at an English medium school located approximately three kilometres from her residence. The school operates from 9 am to 1 pm daily. On Thursday, the accused allegedly touched the girl inappropriately while she was the last student in the van during the drop-off. After reaching home, the child appeared frightened and initially did not communicate with her parents, raising concerns.
Senior Inspector Kishor Shinde confirmed the arrest, stating, "The accused has been arrested under the relevant section of the act including POCSO. He will be produced in the court on Friday for further investigation." The parents, upon sensing something was wrong, took the child into confidence, after which she revealed her ordeal. They immediately approached the Badlapur West police station and lodged a formal complaint.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Plans
Based on the parents' statement, the police registered a case under the POCSO Act. A police team promptly visited the accused's residence, brought him to the police station, and arrested him on Thursday night. An official noted, "He will be produced in court on Friday," emphasizing the urgency of the legal process.
Further investigation is planned once the accused's custody is secured. Police officials intend to probe how long he has been working as a driver and whether there is any past record of such incidents or other criminal cases against him. This step aims to ensure a thorough examination of the accused's background and potential patterns of behaviour.
Context and Previous Incidents in Badlapur
This incident comes in the wake of previous cases in Badlapur that have raised concerns about child safety. In August last year, protests erupted over the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls in a private school by a cleaning staff member and perceived delays in police action. The accused in that case was subsequently killed in an encounter by the police, highlighting ongoing tensions and the critical need for vigilant law enforcement and community awareness to protect children from such heinous crimes.
