Lucknow: Two days after a group of motorcycle-borne youths allegedly terrorised schoolchildren by vandalising a school van in Chowk area, police on Wednesday arrested four accused and seized the motorcycle used in the offence.The incident, which occurred near Charak crossing on the morning of Aug 3, had triggered widespread outrage after videos of the attack went viral on social media, showing the assailants smashing the windows and body of a school van carrying children. The footage prompted parents to question the delay in arrests despite the city’s extensive CCTV surveillance network.Police had initially arrested one accused and identified five others after analysing CCTV footage and viral videos. Following sustained raids, the remaining suspects were apprehended on Wednesday.The arrested accused have been identified as Sandeep Rajput (22), Brijesh Rajput (18), Nitin (19) and Anuj Kumar (19), all residents of Maljha village in Unnao’s Hasanganj area. Police also seized the motorcycle bearing registration number UP32QV4084, allegedly used during the attack. The vehicle has been impounded under section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act.The arrests were made in connection with the FIR registered at Chowk police station.According to investigators, six motorcycle-borne youths were riding recklessly and creating a nuisance on the road before intercepting the school van near Charak crossing. The accused attacked the vehicle, smashing its windows and body while several schoolchildren were inside.The sudden attack left the children traumatised, with many crying in fear as the assailants vandalised the van. Hearing the commotion, residents rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee. Before escaping, the accused allegedly threatened to kill the van driver, according to the FIR.Police said the breakthrough came after investigators analysed CCTV footage from the area and matched it with videos circulated on social media, enabling them to identify the suspects and trace their movements.The four accused were arrested near Charak crossing and are being produced before the court for judicial proceedings.Deputy commissioner of police (west) Kamlesh Dixit said the case was solved using CCTV footage and other electronic evidence.
