Peon arrested in rape of disabled 16-yr-old

 Mahadev Borhade of Narayangaon allegedly raped a 12-yr-old from the same school as the victim last week; he was arrested and later released

In a shocking incident, a peon of a residential school for physically challenged girls and boys was arrested by Pune rural police on Wednesday, for allegedly raping a 16-yearold girl student and attempting to rape another girl from a school in Narayangaon, around 80 kms from here.

The first complaint was filed by a 12-yearold girl on April 6 and a fresh complaint was filed against him on Wednesday, by the older victim.

The peon, identified as Mahadev Asraji Borhade (52) of Junnar, had allegedly attempted to rape the 12-year-old last week, but she had screamed and the incident had come to light, after which Borhade had been arrested, and later released.

Superintendent of Police (Pune rural) Manojkumar Lohiya and Additional Superintendent of Police (Pune rural) Vijaykumar Magar rushed to the spot, after the complaint was filed with Narayangaon police station.

Borhade was arrested again after the fresh complaint was registered. Police suspect he may have sexually assaulted other girls from the school as well. The school is a government-aided residential one for physically challenged children from rural parts of the state.

At present, there are 57 girls and 123 boys, studying as well as residing in the school. The complex has a kitchen and granary. According to police, Borhade used to tell girls that he had received calls from their parents, then lure them down to the granary if the girls wanted to speak to them.

He used to then molest or rape the students after bolting the door from inside. Borhade has been a peon at the school for the last 22 years. It is suspected that his crimes took place over the last one year.

The 16-year-old in her complaint stated that Borhade approached her and claimed he had some work for her. He then allegedly took her to the granary and raped her. He then issued threats of dire consequences to her if she told anyone about it.

The girl kept mum but on Wednesday, when her parents and relatives came down to pick her up after the annual examinations concluded, she broke down in front of them and narrated the traumatic incident. Magar said a majority of the female students had gone home for holidays, adding, “The statements of the other female students will be recorded whenever they are available.”


Source : Pune Mirror , 11th April 2013