Nashik: An adivasi minor girl of an Ashram-Shala was allegedly raped by her class teacher after he called her to his house in Ahmednagar. The rape occurred on March 21 but the survivor could muster courage to file the case on Sunday night. Police arrested the accused identified as Jairam Baban Gode (30), who was later remanded to police custody till June 1 on Monday.
On March 21, Gode called the minor to his house with her science project files. After which he locked the door and raped her. To stop her screaming, he pushed a handkerchief in her mouth. The next day, he threatened her not to disclose the incident to anyone. However the girl recorded the entire conversation as evidence.
A fortnight back, Gode went to her house twice and conversed with her father and brothers. When the family questioned about teacher’s visits, she blurted out the ordeal. The family immediately went to Ghargaon police station and lodged a complaint.
Police has registered case of rape under Indian Penal code and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act against the teacher. Further investigations are on.
Speaking on the issue, human rights lawyer Ranjana Pagar-Gawande said that, the teacher was in a position of trust or guardian to the child.
“In such cases the rape is termed as ‘aggravated assault’, which is a very serious offence and carries harsh punishment.”
“There are several discrepancies in ashram schools and more public participation is needed in vigilance. About three years back, a similar case had occurred in an ashram school in Kothul village of Sangamner. I had then suggested that an independent public body be constituted to look into the functioning of ashram shalas,” she said.
