Three-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted by school cab driver in Delhi's Bawana

A three-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a school cab driver in outer Delhi’s Bawana, with the incident coming to light after her parents noticed bruises and a change in her behaviour. The child later identified the accused from photographs and CCTV footage as the “bad uncle who gave chocolates”.

Parents noticed bruises, behavioural change

The alleged assault came to light on August 24 after the girl’s parents noticed injury marks on her body and changes in her behaviour. When they questioned her, the child allegedly told them that the cab driver had touched her inappropriately and threatened her.

The parents subsequently informed the school management and police, following which an investigation was launched.

According to police, the girl is a student at a private school in outer Delhi. The accused, identified as Vikas, was working as a school cab driver and had been associated with the school since last year.

Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty.

A special investigation team has also been formed to probe the case.

Girl called him ‘bad uncle who gave chocolates’

Police said the child was initially unable to identify or name the person who had allegedly assaulted her.

Investigators then showed her photographs and CCTV footage from the school. The girl subsequently identified Vikas and reportedly described him as the “bad uncle who gave chocolates”.

Police allege that the accused used chocolates to lure the child before sexually assaulting her on the school premises.

“The minor has claimed that she was abused at least twice,” police said.

Investigators are now examining whether the alleged abuse may have occurred on other occasions during the preceding weeks.

Accused has six criminal cases

Police said Vikas has six criminal cases registered against him, including cases related to theft.

His employment at the school and the process through which he was hired are also being examined.

The school management and other staff members have been questioned to determine whether there was any negligence. Police are checking documents to establish whether the driver had undergone proper verification before being employed.

The child has undergone a medical examination and her statement has been recorded. Police have also seized electronic evidence, which is being examined as part of the investigation.

Police flag school staff verification

The case has raised concerns over the engagement of unverified personnel by schools, police said.

Delhi Police have advised schools to employ only police-verified personnel, including drivers, helpers, security guards and Group-D employees.

Schools have also been advised to use only registered commercial vehicles with valid permits and ensure that CCTV cameras are functioning properly, with footage backed up for future investigation.

Police further recommended that female staff members be present alongside children as an additional safety measure.

The investigation remains underway as police examine the accused’s background, school records and electronic evidence, while also checking whether the child may have been subjected to any earlier incidents.

Parents should teach children about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch

“Good touch” can include a hug or holding hands when the child is comfortable, while an unwanted or uncomfortable touch should be recognised as unsafe. UNICEF says helping children understand their boundaries can help them recognise when someone crosses those boundaries and encourage them to speak out.

UNICEF also stresses that parents should create an environment where children can talk openly about anything that makes them uncomfortable, without fear or shame. Its child-protection material says parents and caregivers should be guided to help children develop awareness of good and bad touch as protection from sexual abuse.

For younger children, parents can keep the message simple: their body belongs to them, they can say no to an unwanted touch, and they should tell a trusted adult if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.