He repeatedly touched us: 22 tribal schoolgirls accuse kitchen helper of molestation
In Maharashtra, a 35-year-old kitchen helper at a tribal boarding school has been arrested under the POCSO Act after 22 female students accused him of repeated molestation and inappropriate touching. The incident occurred at the Adivasi Ashram Shala in Shahapur, where students from Classes 6 to 10 reported that Gavli touched them while they returned utensils after meals. One student initially came forward with the complaint, which led to 21 others joining in, submitting a signed statement detailing the abuse. They also claimed that the school superintendent failed to address their concerns and, in some cases, retaliated against them. The case has prompted scrutiny into Gavli’s past, including a 2024 POCSO accusation at another tribal school, where he was arrested but later released on bail and reappointed. Officials from the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) are now under pressure to take stricter action against Gavli.
A three-year-old boy was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted at a private playschool in northeast Delhi’s Maujpur, with police arresting a caretaker and initiating investigations against the school’s director, principal, and a teacher. The incident, which came to light earlier this month, involved the child being tied to a chair for extended periods, kicked, and subjected to repeated physical abuse, according to police and the child’s father. CCTV footage obtained by the family reportedly captures these acts of violence. The boy’s father, an advocate, reported the incident to police after noticing behavioral changes and physical injuries on his son. The child had become fearful of using the restroom, exhibited agitation, and cried uncontrollably during the night. Bruises on his face and arms prompted a visit to an ENT specialist, who discovered severe swelling in both ear canals, suggesting possible physical assault. The father requested access to the school’s CCTV footage, which the staff initially claimed was non-functional. When the family eventually paid ₹1,500 to view the recordings, they saw footage of the child being pulled by his ears, tied to a chair for hours, and subjected to kicks and strikes. Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Friday, citing relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The caretaker was arrested, while the roles of the teacher, principal, and director are currently under investigation. The child was immediately taken to GTB Hospital for a thorough medical examination, which documented abrasions on his face and arms. The Delhi government has since sealed the school premises pending further inquiries. The incident has drawn condemnation from Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who described the case as “deeply disturbing” and ordered the sealing of the school. She emphasized that responsibility would be fixed and that those found guilty would face the strictest legal consequences. The Directorate of Education (DoE) has also launched an independent inquiry into the incident, with a committee set to submit its findings within two days. The boy’s father, Navneet Chaudhary, expressed frustration with the school’s management, accusing them of failing to protect his son. He stated that the footage showed the child being tied to a chair for hours, beaten, kicked, and having his ears pulled. He also alleged that some teachers had already left the school, possibly to avoid accountability. The family is demanding justice against all those involved, including the school’s leadership. The case has sparked broader discussions about child safety in educational institutions. The school’s owner confirmed that the caretaker and a teacher had been permanently removed from the premises and that cooperation with police is ongoing. However, the principal could not be reached for comment. The investigation continues, with police examining the CCTV footage and other evidence to determine the extent of the abuse and the roles played by each individual involved. The incident highlights systemic failures in monitoring and protecting children in care settings. The school, which operates internationally, faces scrutiny over its practices and oversight mechanisms. The Delhi government has pledged to take strict action, but the long-term implications for the institution and its staff remain unclear. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
2 reports
Times of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/29/2026
A 35-year-old man named Ganpat Gavli, previously arrested in 2024 for allegedly molesting a minor at a government tribal ashram school, has been accused by 22 minor girls of molestation and inappropriate behavior at another such school in Shahapur. After spending several months in jail and being released on bail, Gavli worked as a helper at the Shahapur school for about a year. The latest accusations came after a Class X student reported that Gavli attempted to sexually assault her when she was alone. As police investigated, 21 additional minor girls reportedly accused Gavli of inappropriate behavior, bringing the total number of alleged victims to 22. Authorities have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and arrested Gavli. Investigators are now examining how Gavli was hired at the school despite his prior criminal record.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the allegations against Gavli in a factual manner without overtly emphasizing any particular political ideology. It focuses on the legal and institutional failures in employing individuals with a history of misconduct, which is a matter of public policy and governance ratherthan
Why factuality (85): The article reports on a case involving 22 girls accusing a school helper of molestation, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It provides details about the accused's prior arrest in 2024, his subsequent employment, and the current allegations. While the facts are generally consistent with avai
Why objectivity (78): The article presents the allegations in a straightforward manner but uses emotionally charged language such as 'attempted to sexually assault' and 'inappropriate behaviour.' There is a clear focus on the wrongdoing without providing counterpoints or alternative perspectives, which slightly reduces o
India TodayIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 758/31/2026
In Maharashtra, a 35-year-old kitchen helper at a tribal boarding school has been arrested under the POCSO Act after 22 female students accused him of repeated molestation and inappropriate touching. The incident occurred at the Adivasi Ashram Shala in Shahapur, where students from Classes 6 to 10 reported that Gavli touched them while they returned utensils after meals. One student initially came forward with the complaint, which led to 21 others joining in, submitting a signed statement detailing the abuse. They also claimed that the school superintendent failed to address their concerns and, in some cases, retaliated against them. The case has prompted scrutiny into Gavli’s past, including a 2024 POCSO accusation at another tribal school, where he was arrested but later released on bail and reappointed. Officials from the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) are now under pressure to take stricter action against Gavli.
Bias read (Progressive): The article emphasizes the systemic failures within educational institutions and governmental oversight, particularly highlighting the lack of accountability and protection for vulnerable groups like tribal students. It frames the issue through the lens of institutional negligence and calls for more
Why factuality (85): The article reports on a credible incident involving 22 tribal schoolgirls accusing a kitchen helper of molestation, with details corroborated by multiple sources including the FIR registration and the timeline of events. It references the POCSO Act and provides specific information about the accuse
Why objectivity (75): The article presents the allegations from the perspective of the victims and includes quotes from the students' complaints. While it remains factual, there is a slight bias toward the victims' experience, and the tone leans slightly toward emphasizing the gravity of the situation rather than present
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