Bhopal, Aug 26 — Police arrested a school van driver and registered a case against the operator of a private school in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas after the vehicle carrying students entered a waterlogged railway underpass despite barricades, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on August 25 at the railway underpass in the Civil Lines area, where traffic had been restricted as a safety measure due to heavy waterlogging caused by rains.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took serious note of the incident and directed the district administration and police to initiate immediate action. He stressed that schoolchildren's safety was the government’s top priority and that no negligence would be tolerated.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, “Despite this, the driver of a Magic van belonging to City Convent School removed the barricade and drove the vehicle into the waterlogged underbridge. When the van stalled mid‑way, the driver allegedly abandoned the schoolchildren inside and fled from the spot. On receiving information, residents along with the Dial‑112 team and Civil Lines police swung into action and rescued all the children safely with the help of a rope.”
Following the CM’s directions, Dewas Collector Rituraj Singh and Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlod ensured immediate action against those responsible. Police registered an FIR against the driver at Civil Lines police station under Sections 281 and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Police arrested the driver and seized the vehicle.
Police registered a separate case against the school operator under Section 223 of the BNS for allegedly disregarding safety standards and guidelines related to character verification. The matter is under investigation.
Yadav directed that drivers must not take vehicles through waterlogged routes or over flooded bridges and culverts under any circumstances. Authorities have asked school managements to strictly follow prescribed safety norms for vehicles transporting students, particularly during the monsoon.