Thane Ashram School Helper Arrested Over Alleged Molestation of 22 Minor Girls
A 35-year-old helper employed at an ashram school in the Shahapur region of Maharashtra’s Thane district has been taken into police custody for allegedly molesting 22 minor female students. The suspect, identified by law enforcement as Ganpat Gavli, was previously out on bail in connection with a separate sexual molestation case from 2024.
What Happened
According to Thane police officials, the incident came to light following a formal grievance lodged on August 24 by a tenth-grade student at the Temba ashram school. The student reported that Gavli cornered her and attempted to sexually assault her on the school premises.
During the ensuing police investigation, 21 additional female students came forward to report indecent behaviour by the suspect. Following these statements, law enforcement authorities registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and formally arrested Gavli on August 26.
Officials noted that Gavli was already facing prior legal action. In 2024, he was accused of sexually molesting a student at a different ashram school. He was out on bail related to that prior charge when he took up employment as an assistant to the cook at the Shahapur facility.
Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) officer Tejaswini R. Galande stated that the accused had earlier worked at an ashram school located in Aghai and was approximately 10 months away from retirement. Records also indicate that before taking up his role at the Temba ashram school, he was employed at Moroshi Ashram school in Murbad.
Key Highlights
- Accused Arrested: Ganpat Gavli, a 35-year-old assistant to the school cook, was arrested on August 26 in Shahapur, Thane district.
- Complaints: The case began when a Class 10 student reported an assault attempt on August 24, after which 21 more girls reported inappropriate behaviour.
- Legal Charges: Thane police have booked the suspect under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
- Prior Criminal Record: The accused had previously been charged with molesting a student at an ashram school in 2024 and was on bail when hired.
- Employment History: Gavli previously worked at Aghai and Moroshi ashram schools and was ten months from retirement.
Why This Matters
The arrest highlights serious concerns regarding institutional background checks and safety protocols within residential schools. Despite facing pending criminal charges for molestation at another educational institution, the accused was hired to work in close contact with students at the Shahapur facility.
What to Watch Next
Police authorities have initiated an inquiry into the administrative and hiring process that permitted Gavli’s appointment despite an existing criminal record. The investigation aims to determine who authorized his placement at the Temba ashram school and why proper vetting was not enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the accused person in this case?
The accused has been identified by police as 35-year-old Ganpat Gavli, who worked as a helper to the cook at the Temba ashram school in Shahapur.
What charges have been filed against the suspect?
Thane police have registered a case against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Had the accused faced previous allegations?
Yes. Police records show that in 2024, Gavli was accused of sexually molesting a female student at another ashram school and was out on bail at the time of his employment in Shahapur.
What are the authorities currently probing?
In addition to the molestation charges, police are investigating who appointed the accused to the school and why the appointment occurred despite his existing criminal background.
Source: Based on reporting by The Hindu.