Pune: A deeply unsettling case involving alleged misconduct towards minor schoolgirls has come to light in Pune, triggering outrage and swift community action. The accused, a school van driver named Rasool Attar, has been taken into custody by the Nanded City Police following a citizen-led operation.
The issue surfaced after a concerned local woman shared alarming details with social activist Lakshmi Kadam. According to the report, Attar had been entrusted with transporting young girls from various schools across Pune but was allegedly diverting from the assigned routes. Instead of dropping the children directly at their homes, he is said to have taken them to secluded areas where he engaged in inappropriate and manipulative behavior.
In response to the complaint, a group of vigilant citizens, along with members of the Patit Pavan Sanghatana, initiated a covert watch on the driver’s movements. Their surveillance confirmed troubling patterns. It is alleged that Attar tried to emotionally manipulate the girls by claiming he would marry them in the future, further deepening concerns about his intentions.
On the afternoon of Saturday, April 19, the community-led team intercepted Attar in the act. He was apprehended by local residents and activists who later handed him over to officials at Nanded City Police Station. Authorities have since confirmed his arrest and assured that a thorough investigation is underway.
The exposure of this case is credited to the persistent efforts of the Patit Pavan Sanghatana. Key contributors to the operation included activists Pooja Kadam, Reshma Pokale, Vaishali Chipalkatti, Sushma Pawar, and Archana Potdar. Support also came from numerous local citizens including Ashish Benkar, Tejas Pabal, Akshay Undare, Saurabh Kulkarni, Ganesh Sakhare, Ganesh Khamkar, Shivam Sawant, Sachin Sonawane, Ajinkya Jadhav, Abhishek Dhumne, Vijay Adagale, Viraj Nivangune, Pratik Pol, and Vaibhav Thopte.
This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stringent checks on individuals employed in student transport services. Parents and activists alike are demanding stronger child safety protocols and routine monitoring of school transport operations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Police officials have stated that the investigation will proceed with due diligence and appropriate legal action will be taken based on evidence gathered.
