Thane tribal hostel cook held for molesting 22 girls

A 35-year-old cook at a Government-run tribal residential school has been arrested in Thane district of Maharashtra for alleged sexual harassment and molestation of 22 female students, police said on Wednesday.

“The police received a complaint detailing how the accused, Ganpat Gavli, repeatedly subjected girls staying at the Ashram school hostel to inappropriate physical contact and sexual harassment.

“We registered a criminal case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for molestation and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and arrested him,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (Shahapur) Vishal Nagargoje.

A thorough investigation is underway to determine the extent and duration of the alleged abuse, an official said, adding that victims will receive appropriate counselling and support services.