The arrest of a 47-year-old private school van driver by the Porvorim Police has sent shockwaves across the Porvorim–Sucorro region, triggering widespread concern among parents and guardians regarding the safety of children using private school transport services.
The case involves the alleged molestation of a six-year-old girl, an incident that has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by minors during routine travel to and from educational institutions.
Accused Identified and Arrested
The accused has been identified as Allabaksh Saiyyadabade, a resident of the 20-point area near Rastoli Devasthan, Porvorim. According to police officials, he was employed as the driver of a private Maruti Suzuki Eco van, used to transport school children on a daily basis.
The arrest was made on December 21, 2025, following a formal complaint lodged with the Porvorim Police Station.
Allegations and Modus Operandi
As per the preliminary investigation, the accused allegedly misused his position of trust as the child’s regular transport provider. Police suspect that the offence occurred during the pickup or drop-off routine, a time when children are often left alone with drivers without additional supervision.
Authorities have emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that all procedures are being conducted in accordance with law, with special care taken to protect the identity and dignity of the minor.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The Porvorim Police have registered the case as Crime No. 101/2025. The accused has been booked under multiple stringent provisions of:
- The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
These laws provide for strict punishment in cases involving sexual offences against minors and mandate child-friendly investigation and trial procedures.
Parental Anxiety and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked anxiety among parents across the Porvorim–Sucorro belt, many of whom rely on private transport operators due to logistical constraints. Parents have expressed concerns over:
- Lack of background verification of drivers
- Absence of female attendants in school vans
- Inadequate monitoring of private transport services
Several residents have called for immediate audits of all private school transport vehicles operating in the area.
Need for Stronger Oversight and Preventive Measures
Child rights activists and education experts stress that the incident underscores the urgent need for:
- Mandatory police verification of drivers
- GPS tracking and CCTV installation in school vehicles
- Presence of trained attendants
- Regular inspections by transport and education authorities
They argue that child safety must be treated as a non-negotiable governance priority.
Police Assure Strict Action
Police officials have assured the public that the case is being investigated thoroughly and that no leniency will be shown. They have also appealed to parents to immediately report any suspicious behaviour involving school transport staff.
Authorities reiterated that safeguarding children requires collective vigilance, strong enforcement, and institutional accountability.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call on Child Safety
The Porvorim school van case is a stark reminder that child safety cannot be left to chance. While swift police action has brought a measure of reassurance, long-term solutions lie in systemic reforms, strict enforcement, and community awareness.
Protecting children must remain paramount, with accountability enforced at every level to prevent such incidents from recurring.