A 35-year-old staff member at a government-run tribal residential school in Shahapur taluka of Maharashtra’s Thane district has been arrested after allegations of sexual harassment and molestation involving 22 minor female students came to light.
The accused, identified as Ganpat Gawli (also reported as Gavli), worked as a helper to the school cook and was involved in distributing food to students, according to police.
The case came to light after a Class 10 student allegedly approached the school superintendent and complained that Gawli had touched her inappropriately when she was alone.
The school authorities subsequently contacted the Shahapur police. During the initial inquiry, several other girls reportedly came forward with similar allegations against the accused.
Police said a total of 22 female students have now been identified as having allegedly faced inappropriate physical contact or sexual harassment.
The residential school is located in the Tembha village area of Shahapur. According to officials, the school operates from a single building, with the boys’ hostel on the second floor and the girls’ hostel on the third floor. The students regularly moved between the floors and other parts of the premises for meals and daily activities.
Police allege that the accused took advantage of these movements to approach and touch the girls inappropriately.
Shahapur police registered a case under Section 354 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Vishal Nagargoje said the investigation is underway to establish the full extent and duration of the alleged offences.
The accused was arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody. He was subsequently sent to Aadharwadi Jail, according to reports.
Investigators have also raised questions about the accused's employment at the residential school.
Police said Gawli had allegedly been arrested earlier in connection with a similar case involving minor girls at another institution and was later released on bail.
Authorities are now investigating how a person facing such allegations was employed at a residential school where minor girls lived.
Police are also checking whether additional complaints have been made against the accused.
Officials said the affected students will be provided appropriate counselling and support services.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are examining the allegations to determine whether there were further incidents or other potential victims.