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School bus conductor charged with molestation

DUBAI — Two kindergarten children’s parents from a private primary school in the emirate have alleged that their children were molested by the school’s bus conductor. According to the Gems group which manages the school, two parents had a few days ago alleged ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a school bus conductor.

Police sources said, “The Rashidya Police who investigated the allegations have already referred the bus conductor to the Public Prosecution.”

Parent J.J. claimed to Khaleej Times, “My five-year-old daughter had been refusing to go to school for the past few days and we couldn’t understand the reason. She then told us she didn’t like the bus conductor as he had been molesting her in the bus for the past few months. My husband and I were shocked and rushed to the school to talk to the authorities.

She added, “We leave our children in the morning in the school thinking they would be safe on campus and this is what happens. We filed a complaint with the police on October 17 - the same day after bringing the incident to the school’s notice.”

The parents said the conductor was picked up by the police the same afternoon. The principal of the school, Lawrence Hartnett, told KT, “An allegation of inappropriate behaviour by a bus conductor was made by a parent to Kindergarten Starters on October 17.” The second complaint was made a day later.

Gems has launched a full investigation into the incidents and appointed a senior member of Gems corporate personnel, unconnected to the school, to manage this process.”

Hartnett added that the bus conductor had been immediately suspended and removed from duty, before being taken into custody by the police.

He added, the school is also in contact with the two parents who have complained about these incidents, both involving the same bus conductor, and “(We are) responding fully to any concerns raised.”

Meanwhile, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), education authority that supervises private and public schools in Dubai, said it was aware of the case. “The matter is currently in the hands of the police and the school concerned and, whilst the KHDA cannot comment on a legal case, we take any allegation of this nature very seriously and will follow the case carefully.

“Every child has the basic right to a safe and secure educational environment, and all schools and institutions have a duty to provide this, whilst children are in their care,” a KHDA statement said.