Seven Class X students face charges for allegedly sexually abusing younger students at a Maharashtra Social Welfare Department hostel in Igatpuri, Nashik. The hostel superintendent has also been booked in the case. Police filed charges on March 3 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The district collector confirmed the filing. An inquiry is underway by the Child Welfare Committee.
Allegations Detailed
Sources indicate the seven accused students are alleged to have administered sedatives to students in Classes V through VII. The younger students resided in the same hostel. The accused then reportedly engaged in unnatural sexual acts with the victims. The alleged abuse occurred over the past seven months. Victims reportedly informed the hostel superintendent, Sushant Dudhsagare, who did not act on the complaints. He was subsequently named in the case.
Investigation and Action
Following the revelation of the incidents, officials from the Zilla Parishad Social Welfare Department visited the site. They conducted an inquiry and submitted a report. The ZP CEO is overseeing further investigation. The seven accused students have been placed in a remand home.