4-year-old molested by school bus driver, accused arrested

A four-year-old nursery student was allegedly molested by her school bus driver in Badlapur, Maharashtra, India. 

The accused, who was dropping the child at home alone after dropping other students, was arrested following a complaint filed by the family. 

The school bus was seized, and the driver has been booked under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from S£xual Offences (POCSO) Act. 

The child’s family grew concerned when she did not return home on time on Thursday, Jan. 22. 

She arrived about an hour late and initially stayed silent when questioned. 

After persistent but gentle probing, she disclosed the driver’s misconduct. 

The family first approached the school management before lodging a formal police complaint on Thursday evening. 

Authorities acted swiftly, detaining the driver and arranging a medical examination for the child. 

During the investigation, police discovered the school bus was operating with a private (non-yellow) license plate, violating Regional Transport Office (RTO) regulations that mandate yellow plates and T-permits for school transport vehicles. 

This lapse has raised questions about regulatory oversight and the safety of unregulated vehicles ferrying children. 

The incident triggered outrage in the community, with some residents vandalising the school bus in protest.