Lucknow: A four-year-old nursery student was allegedly sexually assaulted by a school van driver in the Talkatora area, police said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Girish Mishra, has been arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.Police said the child studies at a private school and was dropped at school each day by her father, while she used the school van to return home. Her parents, both private-sector employees and residents of Rajajipuram, told police that the girl returned home on Friday looking frightened and withdrawn. They initially believed she might be unwell.On Saturday, her condition worsened and she complained of fever and abdominal pain, the family said. The parents took her to a hospital, where a medical examination reportedly indicated sexual assault. After the findings, the parents questioned the child, who allegedly identified the van driver as the person responsible.The family then approached Talkatora police station and filed a complaint. Police sources said that when the accused was brought to the station, the child became visibly distressed and pointed towards him, alleging inappropriate behaviour.During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed, police said. Officials added that he had worked as a driver for about two decades and had driven vehicles for different institutions over the years.DCP (West Zone) Kamlesh Dixit said a case was registered immediately after the complaint. “Based on the family’s complaint, an FIR was lodged, the child’s medical examination was conducted and the accused, Girish Mishra, was arrested. Further legal action is being taken,” he said.In July 2025, a similar case was reported in Lucknow involving another four-year-old girl and a school van driver, who was arrested after a medical examination confirmed assault.Police said the investigation in the present case is continuing and additional evidence is being collected.
