CM has assured us of speedy investigation: MWC on Buldhana minor rape case

Condemning the Buldhana minor rape case as a very grave incident, Vijaya Rahtkar, chairperson of Maharashtra Women Commission stated that the chief minister has assured the commission of a speedy investigation and severe punishment is to be meted out to the accused.

"The matter that has come forward is a grave one. I have talked to the state DGP yesterday and have acquired information on what steps he has taken. 11 people have been arrested so far and a SIT has been established. The police are investigating the matter. I have also talked to the State Tribal Welfare minister and this morning visited the honorable chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and he has assured me that the accused will be severely punished, he stands in solidarity with the family and that the investigation will be concluded very soon."

Speaking to ANI, she further added that wherever there are Adivasi schools, Maharashtra Women Commission will try to provide amenities like women superintendent and provide facilities that the schools are lacking so that the students are safe inside the premises.

The Maharastra police on Thursday arrested 11 staff members of a government-aided ashram school in Pala village of Khamgaon area in Buldhana district over the sexual assault of minor student.

The police said 10 officials, including the headmaster, teachers, a lab assistant and a cook knew that a sweeper at the school was assaulting the student over the past few months, but did not inform the authorities about it.

According to the Buldhana police, the victim revealed the repeated instances of assault to her mother when she visited her home in Jalgaon during the Diwali holidays.

The police have booked the accused for rape and abetment under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO. The accused will be produced in a local court on Friday.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra DGP formed an SIT to probe Buldhana minor rape case.