A school van driver was arrested in Navi Mumbai for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl, sparking outrage in the community. The incident, which occurred on March 3 in Panvel, came to light after the victim confided in her parents on Thursday, prompting swift police action. The accused, a neighbor of the girl, was apprehended the same day and remanded in custody until March 18.

According to police, the girl was walking to college when the driver lured her into his school van under false pretenses. He then drove her to a deserted area in Chinchwali Shivara, where he sexually assaulted her. The official statement revealed that the accused exploited his familiarity with the victim, who lived in the same locality, to carry out the crime.

The case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, reflecting the severity of the offense.

The delay in reporting stemmed from the trauma the girl endured, police said, noting her courage in eventually speaking out. Authorities are investigating whether the accused has a history of similar offenses, given his role transporting schoolchildren.

The arrest has raised concerns about safety protocols for students relying on private transport, with parents demanding stricter oversight. As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the urgent need to protect vulnerable minors from predators in trusted positions.