THANE: A 35-year-old man who was arrested in 2024 over an alleged molestation case involving a minor was later employed at another government tribal ashram school in Shahapur, where 22 minor girls have now accused him of molestation and inappropriate behaviour.
The accused, identified as Ganpat Gavli alias Jhipru, had been working at another ashram school when he was arrested in 2024 after a minor girl allegedly accused him of molesting her. He spent several months in jail before being released on bail, police said.
Gavli subsequently joined a government tribal ashram school in Shahapur as a helper to the cook and had reportedly been working there for around a year.
Allegations Surface After Class X Student Approaches Police
The latest allegations emerged on Wednesday when a Class X student reportedly approached the police and alleged that Gavli cornered her while she was alone and attempted to sexually assault her.
As police began investigating the complaint, 21 other minor girls allegedly came forward with complaints of inappropriate behaviour by Gavli, taking the total number of alleged victims to 22.
The school is a residential facility, with the boys’ hostel located on the second floor and the girls’ hostel on the third. Police suspect Gavli may have taken advantage of the girls’ movement between the hostel and other parts of the school.
Case Registered Under POCSO Act
Shahapur police have registered a case against Gavli under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and arrested him.
The investigation is now also focusing on how Gavli was appointed at another government tribal ashram school despite the earlier case against him.
Police are examining whether the authorities were aware of his previous case and whether his background and records were properly verified before he was employed at the Shahapur school.
The allegations are being investigated, and further action will depend on the findings of the police probe.
