A disturbing case of sexual assault has come to light in Malad, where a 32-year-old former school bus driver has been arrested for allegedly abusing a 15-year-old girl. The accused, identified as Shadab, befriended the minor and later took her to a hotel in Gorai, where he sexually assaulted her. He also recorded obscene photos and videos of the girl and threatened to leak them if she spoke out.
This incident comes just days after a similar case was reported in Sion, where a 12-year-old girl was harassed by a bus driver for eight months.
Accused Lured the Girl and Threatened Her
The victim, a 15-year-old girl from Malad, studies in a local school where Shadab had previously worked as a bus driver. During his tenure, he developed a friendship with the girl. Despite knowing she was a minor, he proposed to her and remained in contact.
Between November and December 2024, Shadab took the girl to a hotel near Gorai Beach, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. He also clicked obscene photos and recorded videos of the act. Later, he started blackmailing her, threatening to release the footage if she revealed the crime to anyone.
Police Action and Investigation
Frightened by his threats, the girl initially remained silent but later informed the Kurar police. Based on her complaint, the police registered a case under sections related to sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Kurar police arrested Shadab on Thursday, and a special POCSO court in Dindoshi has remanded him to police custody. The victim has undergone a medical examination at Cooper Hospital, and the accused will also undergo a medical test soon.
Meanwhile, the police have started investigating the role of the hotel staff where the crime took place. Further inquiries are underway.