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The students, from Classes 6 to 10, alleged that Gavli touched them inappropriately when they visited the kitchen to return their utensils after meals.
The accused, Ganpat Gavli, was arrested last week under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act. (AI image)
A government tribal school cook has been arrested after dozens of girls came forward with disturbing allegations of repeated abuse.
A 35-year-old cook at a government-run tribal residential school in Thane district, Maharashtra, has been arrested after 22 female students alleged he repeatedly molested them on school premises.
The accused, Ganpat Gavli, was arrested last week under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The students, from Classes 6 to 10, alleged that Gavli touched them inappropriately when they visited the kitchen to return their utensils after meals, India Today reported.
The matter first came to light after one student approached the school headmistress with a complaint. Within hours, 21 more students came forward and submitted a written complaint, alleging the abuse had been going on repeatedly.
Superintendent Allegedly Ignored Complaints
The students also claimed they had previously raised concerns about Gavli’s behaviour with the school superintendent. Rather than acting on their complaints, the superintendent allegedly responded with anger towards the girls.
Some students further alleged that they had also been abused by the superintendent himself — a claim that authorities are now investigating.
What has alarmed authorities and child welfare activists is Gavli’s background. According to India TodayGavli had faced a similar POCSO case at another tribal boarding school in 2024, where he was accused of molesting a minor student.
He was arrested at the time, but was later released on bail. His suspension was subsequently revoked and he was posted to yet another school housing female students — the very school where the fresh allegations have now emerged.
Authorities say a thorough investigation is underway. The victims are being provided counselling and support services.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More
Maharashtra, India, India
August 31, 2026, 11:13 PM IST
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