Another ‘rape’ in Maharashtra ashram school

In yet another instance of exploitation of minor girl students at ashram schools in Maharashtra, the founder-director of Chhatrapati Shivaji Ashram School at Dang Saundane village in Nashik district, Sanjay Sonawane, has been booked for rape. These 400-odd institutions are residential schools meant for children of tribals.

Police had earlier registered an offence of molestation. However, after an in-camera inquiry, a case of rape was registered against Sonawane. He is alleged to have raped an 11-year-old girl on March 22. Sonawane is now under arrest and has been suspended from his job.

Sonawane reportedly called the girl to his room on the pretext of cleaning it and raped her. He is also accused of threatening her and trying to buy her silence with Rs 50. The school has started a probe.