Navi Mumbai: School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting 3-Year-Old Girl

Navi Mumbai: A 30-year-old school bus driver has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl inside a private school bus in Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, police said.

The incident allegedly took place on Wednesday afternoon when the driver was dropping kindergarten and primary school students home. According to police, the child was the last student remaining on the bus after the other children had got down at their respective stops.

The accused was driving a private bus hired to ferry students from a local school. Police said the alleged assault occurred at around 12.30 pm.

Child told family about the alleged abuse

The incident came to light after the child returned home and complained of abdominal pain.

According to police, the girl subsequently told her grandmother about what had happened and referred to the driver as the person who had allegedly troubled her inside the bus. The family then informed the school management and approached the police.

Police said the child initially could not identify the accused by name. Her parents later approached the school, where staff showed them photographs of employees and CCTV footage. The girl allegedly identified the bus driver.

Driver booked under BNS and POCSO Act

Following the complaint and the child's medical examination, police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning rape of a child below 12 years of age, along with provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The accused was arrested and produced before a court in Panvel on Thursday. The court remanded him to police custody until Saturday, according to officials.

Police are continuing their investigation and are expected to record statements from members of the school management and other people connected with the transport arrangement.

Investigation underway

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the child was left alone with the driver after the other students had been dropped off.

The investigation will also look into the school's transport arrangements and whether adequate safeguards were in place while children were being transported.

The case has once again raised concerns about child safety in school transport, particularly the need for proper supervision and strict verification of drivers and other personnel who come into contact with young students.

The allegations against the accused are subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial process.

Child's identity protected

As the case involves a minor, her identity and other details that could reveal her identity should not be published. Under India's child-protection laws and established journalistic practice, media organisations must exercise particular care while reporting sexual-offence cases involving children.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police examining evidence and statements as they build the case against the accused.