SCHOOL BUS DRIVER HELD FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 3-YEAR-OLD

NAVI MUMBAI: A 50-year-old school bus driver of New Horizon Public School in New Panvel was arrested on Monday for allegedly assaulting sexually a three-year-old student of the school.

The police said the incident took place when the girl, a nursery student, was on her way to school. However, the school claimed there were 32 students and two cleaners on the bus when it reached the school around 8.30am and 15 students were aboard when the child boarded the bus.

“When the girl reached home after school, her parents found her undergarments were lowered after which they asked her what had happened. They then informed the school authorities and approached us,” said a police officer. “The child is scared and confused. Even her parents were confused while giving statements. After discussing with a few NGOS and members of the child welfare committee (CWC), we registered a case and arrested the driver,” he said.

Ragini Bohle, principal of the school, said, “Our woman attendant was on leave on Monday and we could not arrange for another woman attendant on the bus. But two cleaners and other students were on board. It is not possible for the driver to leave the vehicle and assault the girl.”

“There was nothing wrong with her behaviour till she left school at 11.30am. There were two cleaners and 32 students on board when she left school. We cannot come to a conclusion. The police investigation will reveal the truth,” she said.