Nagpur: Two Teachers Face POCSO Charges for Alleged Abuse of Tribal Girls at Ashramshala
In a deeply disturbing incident from Gadchiroli district, two teachers have been implicated in serious allegations of sexual misconduct and physical assault against minor tribal girls at an ashramshala in Mulchera taluka. The case has sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted critical gaps in child protection mechanisms within residential schools.
Arrest and Police Notice Following Student Testimonies
Police action was initiated after 22 girl students courageously came forward to record their detailed statements, describing repeated instances of inappropriate behavior by the accused teachers. The educators, identified as Subhash Lande (41) and Sandeep Fad (36), have been charged under relevant sections of the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to investigative findings, the duo allegedly made undue sexual advances and inappropriately touched the cheeks and backs of tribal students under various pretexts. This misconduct is reported to have occurred over a prolonged period spanning from September 20, 2025, to February 7, 2026.
History of Allegations and Escalating Abuse
Police investigations uncovered that during Diwali last year, similar allegations of inappropriate behavior had surfaced against teacher Sandeep Fad. Disturbingly, the matter was not pursued with adequate seriousness at that time, allowing the situation to potentially escalate.
The breaking point came on February 7, when the two teachers assigned written tasks to students before temporarily leaving the classroom. Upon their return, they discovered that two students had not completed the work satisfactorily and could not provide proper answers. Lande and Fad allegedly accused them of mass copying and proceeded to brutally spank their palms with bamboo sticks.
This physical assault, combined with the earlier alleged sexual misconduct, pushed the young girls to their breaking point, compelling them to finally speak out about their traumatic experiences.
Immediate Response and Legal Proceedings
On February 8, the girls confided in their hostel warden, who immediately alerted the education department. Authorities directed that all 22 affected students undergo medical examination at the government hospital in Mulchera the following day.
Following established protocol for cases involving minors, hospital authorities promptly notified the police. Mulchera police station registered a formal case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and other applicable laws on February 10.
Subhash Lande was arrested the same day, while Sandeep Fad was released after being served an official police notice as the investigation continues.
Police Vigilance and Broader Implications
Senior Inspector Mahesh Vidhate of Mulchera police station revealed that he had recently conducted three awareness camps at the same school, focusing specifically on 'Good Touch, Bad Touch' education and cyber awareness to help students understand personal safety boundaries.
Police are maintaining strict vigilance around the school premises and are preparing what they describe as a watertight charge-sheet to ensure justice for the victims.
Triggering Vital Debates on School Safety
This case has ignited crucial discussions about the urgent need for enhanced protective measures in ashram schools and similar residential educational institutions:
- Stricter teacher screening and background verification processes
- Regular surprise inspections by independent authorities
- Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in common areas
- Appointment of dedicated female wardens in girls' hostels
- Strengthened grievance redressal mechanisms accessible to students
The incident underscores the vulnerability of tribal children in residential educational settings and highlights the critical importance of creating safe, transparent environments where students feel empowered to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
