Bengaluru: A private bus driver was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after allegedly misbehaving with a 15-year-old girl travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. The situation escalated when the girl’s family confronted and assaulted him in Bengaluru before police intervened.
Girl’s journey takes a disturbing turn
The minor had gone to visit her sister in Hyderabad and was returning to Bengaluru on Wednesday night in a sleeper bus. According to police, the girl asked the bus’s spare driver, Mohammed Arif (22), to charge her phone during the journey.
When she went to collect her phone later, the driver allegedly made an inappropriate demand. The girl immediately retrieved her phone and informed her family about the incident.
Family confronts the driver
On Thursday morning, when the bus reached Chalukya Circle in Bengaluru, the girl’s relatives confronted the accused driver. In their anger, they physically assaulted him in public. Locals, who came to know about the allegations, also supported the family during the confrontation.
Police action
Police officers who arrived at the spot stopped the situation from escalating further and took the driver into custody. Officials confirmed that he has been booked under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, which deals with offences against children.
A senior officer stated, “The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway. The victim’s statement is being recorded, and evidence is being verified.”
Concerns over passenger safety
The case has once again raised concerns over the safety of women and minors travelling alone in private buses. Passenger rights activists have stressed the need for stricter background checks of staff members employed by private transport operators.
Legal experts pointed out that while the POCSO Act provides stringent punishment for such offences, preventive measures like CCTV cameras, helpline displays inside buses, and periodic monitoring of operators are equally important.
Conclusion
The arrest of the bus driver under the POCSO Act underscores the seriousness of safeguarding minors during travel. Authorities have assured that strict legal action will follow and measures are being considered to strengthen passenger safety in inter-city buses.