Students of Sant Namdev Samaj Dharamshala tell Chandran Iyer how their teacher Vigneshwar Patil sexually molested them
Students of Sant Namdev Samaj Dharamshala tell Chandran Iyer how their teacher Vigneshwar Patil sexually molested them
ADVERTISEMENT
Vigneshwar Gokul Patil (24), the accused, is a music teacher at the residential school, but taught students about spirituality. He wasu00a0 arrested after six students, all hailing from Jalgaon, told their parents, who in turn filed a police complaint.
Fondling
Nine-year-old Nilesh Pant (name changed) said Patil would call him to his room at odd hours of the night. "He would ask me to massage his body and then fondle and abuse me. I cried and begged him to let me go. But he forced himself upon me on several occasions. He also warned meu00a0 that if I tell this to anyone, he would cut me up and throw me in the river. I was too scared to speak," said Nilesh.
Nitin Gokhale (name changed), a 14-year-old boy, had a similar tale to recount. He said, "Patil forced to perform oral sex on him. He would beat me up if I refused."
But after repeated sexual exploitation for over three years, the children mustered enough courage and informed their parents.
According to the Alandi police, students between the ages of six and 14 years attended the dharamshala. Patil, who was arrested on Friday, has been remanded to police custody till Tuesday. Investigating Officer Ratansingh Rajput said preliminary inquiries have revealed that the accused had sexually assaulted at least five other boys.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
