“Van wale uncle bad touch karte hain.” When two 7‑year‑old girls whispered this to their parents in Lucknow last week, it set off a chain that has left an entire neighbourhood shaken. The driver of their private school van was arrested hours after the complaint was filed, but the scars on the young minds may take much longer to heal.
The Incident That Unfolded Inside the School Van
According to the complaint filed by the parents, the driver of a private school van – who would pick up and drop the girls daily – allegedly subjected them to obscene gestures and physical molestation over a period of time. The two girls, both seven years old and studying in the same class, finally gathered the courage to tell their mothers.
The parents immediately confronted the school authorities and then approached the local police station in Lucknow. Police officials took the complaint seriously and registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
How the Truth Came Out: A Pattern of Silence Broken
For weeks, the children had shown signs of discomfort while boarding the van, but parents initially dismissed it as typical school reluctance. It was only when one of the girls described the driver’s actions in her own words – “waha touch karte hain” – that the horrifying reality became clear. The other child then confirmed a similar experience.
The siblings’ parents spoke to each other and decided to file a police complaint. “We never imagined such a thing could happen in our own colony,” a relative of one of the victims told reporters. The driver, who had been working for the school for over a year, was arrested the same evening.
Police Response and Legal Action
Lucknow police confirmed the arrest and said the accused has been booked under sections of the IPC as well as the POCSO Act. “We have taken the driver into custody and are interrogating him. We are also investigating whether he had molested other children in the van,” a senior police officer said. An FIR has been registered, and the accused is currently in judicial custody.
Impact on Children and Parents: A Community on Edge
The incident has left the families in the locality terrified. Parents are now questioning the screening process of school van drivers. “We trusted the school to verify the driver’s background. Now we feel guilty for not noticing the signs earlier,” said one parent.
Child psychologists warn that such trauma can have lasting effects on young children. “It is important for parents to listen without judgement and seek professional help if needed,” said Dr. Meera Sharma, a child counsellor based in Lucknow (not directly involved in the case). The two girls are being provided with counselling by the school.
School Safety Loopholes Exposed Again
This is not an isolated case. Reports of school van drivers molesting or abusing children have emerged from various parts of India in recent years. Despite Supreme Court guidelines on school transport safety, enforcement remains weak. Many schools subcontract transportation to private operators without thorough background checks.
The school in this case has said it will review its hiring procedures and is cooperating with the police investigation. However, parents are demanding stricter regulations, including mandatory CCTV cameras in all school vans and immediate reporting of any complaints.
Confirmed Facts vs What Remains Unclear
What is confirmed: A driver has been arrested; two 7‑year‑old girls accused him of molestation; the complaint was filed by parents; police are investigating under POCSO Act.
What remains unclear: The exact duration of the abuse; whether there were other victims; the school’s role in the driver’s hiring; the driver’s background and previous employment. All these points are under investigation.
Wider Pattern: School Transport Safety in India
This case is the latest in a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse by drivers entrusted with children’s safety. In 2023 alone, multiple cases were reported from Delhi, Noida, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Experts say the lack of a centralised database of drivers, absence of CCTV, and inadequate oversight by schools create a fertile ground for such crimes.
The Supreme Court had mandated a set of guidelines in 2018, including GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, and that drivers must have a clean police record. Yet compliance rates remain low, especially in smaller cities and private schools.
Practical Guidance for Parents
Child safety experts advise parents to talk openly with children about good touch and bad touch, and to listen carefully to any unusual comments about van drivers or other adults. They also suggest:
- Periodically asking children about their day and the van journey.
- Checking if the school conducts police verification of drivers.
- Demanding CCTV footage of the van interior.
- Encouraging children to report any uncomfortable behaviour immediately.
Future Outlook: Need for Systemic Change
The Lucknow arrest is likely to spark renewed demands for stricter enforcement of school transport safety norms. Local authorities may conduct surprise checks on school vans. However, lasting change will require schools to own the responsibility rather than outsourcing it to unregulated operators. The police have said they will share their findings with the education department to ensure better compliance.
Our Take
This story is not just about one driver and two girls – it is about a system that repeatedly fails to protect the most vulnerable. Arrests are reactive; the real win would be a system where such incidents are prevented. Every school van that operates without a CCTV, without a verified driver, is a potential time bomb. Parents are right to be angry. But anger alone won’t fix it – action from schools and the state will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child reports being touched inappropriately by a van driver?
First, stay calm and listen without blaming the child. Reassure them that they did the right thing by telling you. Then, contact the school authorities immediately and file a complaint with the local police. Seek medical and psychological help for the child.
Are school van drivers required to have a police verification?
Yes, according to the Supreme Court guidelines, all school transport staff, including drivers and attendants, must undergo police verification. However, compliance varies. Parents can check with the school to ensure this has been done.
What legal action can be taken against the driver in such cases?
The driver can be charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which carries strict penalties including imprisonment. Additional charges under the Indian Penal Code, such as assault or criminal intimidation, may also apply.
How can I teach my child to identify and report inappropriate behaviour?
Use age-appropriate language and concepts like “private parts are private” and “no one should touch you there.” Role-play scenarios and encourage them to say “No” loudly if they feel uncomfortable. Reinforce that they can always tell you or a trusted adult without fear.
