Hostel 'rapes': Minister orders probe

NASHIK: State women and child development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Monday ordered a probe into the allegations of rape of six minor students by the owner of a privately-run hostel in Nashik.
"Sexual abuse of minor girls is a heinous crime. I have taken cognizance of the issue and have asked the department to immediately form a panel that would investigate the case," Lodha told TOI over the phone. The department has been given a week's deadline to submit a report.
Responding to a question, Lodha said there is a need to carry out safety and security audits of all private-run hostels across the state where minor students stay to pursue their studies. "We are considering such an exercise, and we need people with good credentials to help us. Our government is extremely concerned about children's safety," the minister added.
Vimala R, the state women and child development commissioner, said the probe panel, as instructed by the minister, would be set up soon. It would likely be headed by a department officer of deputy commissioner rank.
"We request people to come forward and raise matters pertaining to any kind of malpractice at such establishments. The department would diligently look into the complaints," said the department officials.
Police officials investigating the case said the accused (the owner of the private hostel), who is currently in police custody, has denied sexually abusing the minor girls. "However, the fact remains that all these six girls have come forward on their own to register complaints against the accused. We will take the case to its logical conclusion," said the police officials.
The accused had set up the hostel in 2018 to provide free accommodation to students from tribal and economically backward communities so that they could pursue education. He used to seek donations from individuals and organisations to run the hostel.
The police received the first complaint against the accused on November 17, after a student told her relative (who had gone to the hostel to meet the girl) about the abuse. The police arrested the accused hostel owner. Subsequently, five more girls registered similar complaints.