New Delhi, September 3: A serious incident has emerged regarding the safety of a three-year-old nursery student at a private school in Puth Khurd, North Delhi. Allegations have surfaced that the school cab driver, identified as Vikas, was inappropriately touching the girl after luring her with chocolates.
Initial police investigations revealed that the driver had misbehaved with the child on four separate occasions. The case came to light on August 19 when the family noticed injuries on the girl’s private parts. Upon inquiry, the child reportedly mentioned a ‘bad uncle’ to her mother. Unable to provide the driver’s name, the family informed the school administration.
On August 24, the girl was shown photographs and CCTV footage at the school, after which she allegedly identified the cab driver, Vikas. The family then reported the matter to the Bawana police, leading to the driver’s arrest on the same day.
According to police reports, the accused had been driving the school cab for approximately eight months. An official stated that he allegedly followed the girl into the bathroom and sexually assaulted her there. The police have also seized the driver’s mobile phone, which contained several videos of him giving chocolates to small children.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the POCSO Act, including Sections 8, 10, and 21, which address sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, and failure to report a crime, respectively.
In response to the incident, the police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and are sending the CCTV footage for forensic analysis. An advisory has been issued to schools, emphasizing the need for police verification of staff and the use of registered commercial vehicles for student transport.
Schools are advised to ensure that only police-verified staff, including drivers, helpers, and guards, are employed. Additionally, it is recommended that at least one teacher be present on school buses, and that CCTV cameras be operational with proper backups.
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has criticized Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for her alleged cold and insensitive response to the increasing incidents of sexual crimes against minors in the capital. He cited three recent cases, including the alleged sexual abuse of a three-year-old in a playschool and a 15-year-old girl in a moving bus.
Bharadwaj accused the Chief Minister of not meeting the parents of the victim from a private school in Janakpuri and failing to question the school management’s role in these incidents.
As the investigation continues, the safety of children in educational institutions remains a pressing concern for parents and authorities alike.