22 girls accused school helper of molestation at Thane tribal school, arrested

A 35-year-old man accused of molesting 22 minor girls at a government tribal ashram school in Shahapur, Thane, has been arrested. The accused, Ganpat Gavli, also known as Jhipru, previously faced similar charges in 2024 and was arrested after allegedly molesting a minor girl at another ashram school. Following his release on bail after spending several months in custody, Gavli found employment as a helper to the cook at the Shahapur school, where he worked for approximately one year before the recent allegations emerged. The incident came to light when a Class X student reportedly approached local police and claimed that Gavli had cornered her while she was alone and attempted to sexually assault her. As the investigation unfolded, 21 additional minor girls came forward with similar allegations against Gavli, bringing the total number of alleged victims to 22. The school, which operates as a residential facility, houses both boys and girls in separate hostels, boys on the second floor and girls on the third. Authorities believe Gavli exploited the movement of students between the hostel and other areas of the school to carry out his alleged misconduct. Gavli’s arrest followed the registration of a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the Shahapur police. The investigation is now focusing on how Gavli managed to secure a position at another government tribal ashram school despite his prior criminal record. Officials are examining whether the previous case involving Gavli was known or verified during the hiring process at the new school. This raises concerns about the vetting procedures in place for staff members working with children in government-run institutions. The school in question serves a predominantly tribal population, many of whom live in economically disadvantaged conditions. The community has expressed shock and outrage over the allegations, with parents demanding stricter oversight and accountability from authorities responsible for the welfare of their children. Local leaders have called for immediate action to ensure the safety of all students and to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Police have confirmed that Gavli was arrested following the initial complaint from the Class X student and that further investigations are ongoing. They are looking into the circumstances surrounding his employment at the school, including the role of the administration in verifying his background. The case has drawn attention to broader issues related to child protection and the need for more rigorous screening processes for individuals working in educational settings, particularly those involving vulnerable populations. Authorities have assured the public that they are treating the case with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring justice for the affected minors. Meanwhile, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of Gavli's actions and determining how he was able to continue working with children despite his history. The outcome of this investigation could lead to changes in how schools screen potential employees and handle past criminal records.