3-year-old Delhi nursery student sexually assaulted; bus driver held
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A three-year-old nursery student was allegedly sexually assaulted by a school bus driver at a private school in Bawana, Delhi, police confirmed on Monday, 31 August. The accused, identified as Vikas, has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after the child identified him during the investigation.
How the Case Came to Light
The incident first surfaced on the night of 19 August, when the child's family noticed injury marks on her body. When her mother questioned her, the girl reportedly spoke of a 'bad uncle' at school who used to give her chocolates. Unable to identify the man by name, the family approached the school administration for help.
On 24 August, the child was shown photographs of school staff and CCTV footage from the school premises. She identified Vikas as the person she had described. The school subsequently informed the police, and an FIR was registered under the POCSO Act.
What Investigators Found
According to police, Vikas had been employed as a bus driver at the school for approximately eight months. Investigators allege he befriended the child by offering her chocolates and sexually abused her on multiple occasions, reportedly targeting her near the bathroom and under the stairs of the school premises.
Police seized Vikas's mobile phone during the investigation. The device reportedly contained several videos showing him feeding chocolates to young children. Authorities are now working to identify the children seen in those videos, who are also being provided counselling.
Ongoing Investigation
CCTV footage collected from multiple locations on the school premises is being examined to establish the full sequence of events and determine whether there were additional instances involving the accused. Vikas was arrested from the school premises itself after the child's identification was confirmed.
Police have said further details are awaited as investigations continue. The case has drawn attention to the urgency of child safety protocols at schools, particularly regarding background checks for support staff.