A school van driver in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly raping a four-year-old girl. The accused, identified as Mohd Arif, was taken into custody after the child's mother filed a complaint with the police. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on July 17, 2025.

According to the mother's complaint, the incident occurred on July 14, 2025, while the child was being transported in the school van. The mother stated that her daughter complained of pain after returning home from school, which led to the discovery of the alleged assault. A medical examination confirmed signs of sexual assault. The police have conducted a medical test of the child.

The mother also alleged that the school management, specifically Kidzee School Manager Sandeep Kumar, attempted to downplay the incident and pressure the family into silence. She claimed that the school told her that complaining would ruin the child's future and the school's reputation. The school allegedly suggested collectively complaining about the driver. The mother reported that when she confronted the driver and the school management, they harassed her and made casteist remarks, and threatened her family with abduction. She said that despite her complaint to the school principal, no action was taken, and the same driver was sent to pick up her child again.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East Shashank Singh stated that two teams were formed to investigate the matter. The police are investigating the allegations against the school management. Mohd Arif has been arrested. He was arrested from Kalyan Apartment near Sarvodaya Nagar Bandha Road.

The police have registered an FIR against Mohd Arif and Sandeep Kumar under BNS Section 5(m)/6 of the POCSO Act and Sections 3(2)(v) and 3(2) of the SC/ST Act. The FIR also states that Arif threatened the child's family with death if they approached the police.

The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for swift and strict action against the accused and those who attempted to cover up the crime.