Mid-Day

The Std V students claim that Pradeep Ghotaskar (50), who is a resident of Panchvati in Pashan, has been assaulting them for the past two months. The school authorities lodged a complaint against Ghotaskar after conducting an internal enquiry into the matter. 

A team led by Police Inspectors Bhanupratap Barge and Ajay Kadam arrested Ghotaskar, who was teaching the girls writing skills.

The incident came to light after a few teachers in the school learnt of Ghotaskar’s alleged deeds while interacting with students and their parents. Barge said that the school authorities approached the police earlier, but were advised to conduct an internal inquiry before lodging a complaint. The inquiry was completed on Friday, after which the school decided to file a complaint against Ghotaskar.

The victims claim that the teacher allegedly sexually abused them in the classroom and during their physical training sessions. Ghotaskar has been booked under sections 8, 9 and 10 of the newly enacted Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and will be produced in court today.