A 40-year-old van driver in Navi Mumbai was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The incident occurred two days prior when the girl, a class 10 student, was the last to be dropped off on the driver’s route for the day. The driver, identified as Rinku Kumar Saha, told the girl that he had some work to do nearby and would take a quick detour before dropping her home. However, he took the van to an isolated stretch, where he sexually assaulted the girl and warned her against informing anyone about the incident.

The victim, visibly frightened, confided in her mother when asked why she was delayed in getting home. The mother immediately took the girl to the Panvel city police station and filed a complaint against the van driver. Acting swiftly, the police arrested the accused and booked him under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with ‘outraging the modesty of a woman’, along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

The senior inspector of the police station stated that they are fast-tracking the case to ensure justice for the victim. He mentioned that they intend to file a chargesheet within 24 hours on Friday.

Incidents like these highlight the importance of ensuring the safety of schoolchildren during their commute. Parents and school authorities must be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent such crimes. It is crucial to conduct thorough background checks and verification of individuals responsible for transporting children. Authorities should also implement strict regulations and guidelines to maintain the safety and security of students.