Bhopal: In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh police have filed charges against an acharya (teacher) and a caretaker for allegedly sexually abusing underage boys at an ashram in Ujjain. Police reported that 19 boys from various age groups lodged complaints with the ashram’s administrator about incidents of sexual harassment. While ashram teacher Rahul Sharma has been arrested, caretaker Ajay Thakur remains at large.
The arrests were made following complaints filed by three boys. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jayant Singh Rathore stated that police are currently investigating and will gather statements from other ashram residents. The ashram director also brought the matter to police attention. The director mentioned that several students had reported misbehavior by caretaker Thakur, resulting in his dismissal. A meeting was convened, involving parents, to address the situation. The director explained that the boys disclosed the nature of the abuse from Sharma and Thakur, prompting police involvement. ASP Rathore confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) and Juvenile Justice Act, with efforts underway to apprehend Thakur.
