Pune: In a heated protest at a Wanawadi police station, activists from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) vandalized the school van involved in the disturbing sexual assault case of two girls.
The van, reportedly used by a 45-year-old driver Sanjay Jeting Reddy to molest two six-year-old girls, was attacked with stones by the activists. The vehicle had been parked within the Wanawadi police station premises for investigative purposes.
Following the act of vandalism, VBA activists voiced their anger and frustration to the media.
"The crime against these young girls happened inside this very van. As parents, we are furious. Today, the safety of young girls and women is at risk. We demand that this case be tried in a fast-track court, and the harshest possible punishment must be meted out to the accused," said a spokesperson for the group.
The police quickly detained those responsible for damaging the van and have launched an inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, the original sexual assault case continues to be a high-priority investigation for the authorities.
The accused driver, Sanjay Jetting Reddy, 45, was arrested by Pune police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after two young girls accused him of inappropriate behavior while being transported in the school van.
One of the victim’s parents filed a complaint after their daughter described the incident, leading to the discovery that another girl had been subjected to similar abuse.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also revealed that certain local political figures may have assisted the accused in attempting to escape. Fadnavis assured the public that any individuals found to have aided the accused would face strict legal action.
