Home / Crime and Justice / Spiritual School Shut Over Child Abuse Allegations
Spiritual School Shut Over Child Abuse Allegations
9 Mar
Summary
- 47 children, including four girls, were relocated from a spiritual institute.
- The institute allegedly violated child protection norms and had no approval.
- Physical and mental exploitation of minor girls is under investigation.
A spiritual education institute in Alandi was shuttered on Saturday by municipal and child welfare officials due to alleged abuse of minor girls and breaches of child protection regulations. Forty-seven children residing at the facility, where they received training in bhajan and kirtan, have been moved to government-run child-care institutions for their rehabilitation and ongoing education.
The closure followed a joint inspection prompted by complaints concerning the children's treatment. Authorities discovered the organization was operating residentially without mandatory approvals. Crucially, the institute failed to maintain records for the children under its care and disregarded fundamental welfare requirements prescribed by child protection laws.
Preliminary findings indicate serious allegations of physical and mental exploitation, particularly affecting minor girls. A formal police investigation is now underway, though no arrests have been made yet. Child welfare officials are coordinating counseling and medical assessments to evaluate the well-being of the relocated children.
