Rector of Gujarat Hostel Faces Serious Charges for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minor
In a disturbing case from Palitana town in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, the rector of a community-run hostel has been accused of repeatedly sodomizing a 16-year-old boy over the past two years. According to an FIR filed at the Palitana Town police station, the rector abused his position of trust to commit these heinous acts, targeting the victim who had been residing at the hostel for six years while attending a local school.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Action
The FIR was lodged on Wednesday by the boy's father, who resides in Rajkot. The complaint reveals that the abuse came to light on March 22, after the victim returned home following his Class 10 board exams on March 18. A friend sent the father a WhatsApp message, purportedly written in the boy's name, detailing how the rector had been blackmailing and sexually abusing him. When confronted, the boy disclosed prolonged sexual abuse that allegedly began around June 20, 2024.
The accused rector has been booked under multiple sections of the law, including assault under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, and cruelty to a child under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. The victim described how the rector exploited his family's financial vulnerability, committing acts of abuse at various locations within the hostel, such as the prayer hall, classroom, and terrace.
Escalation of Abuse and Institutional Response
The complaint highlights that the frequency of abuse intensified during the boy's crucial board exam year, with a particularly severe incident reported on March 12, 2026. The victim stated that the rector would summon him to his private residence to carry out these acts, deliberately choosing spots without CCTV surveillance. Additionally, details of one instance were indirectly conveyed to a trustee of the institution, raising questions about oversight.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Mihir Bariya of Palitana commented on the investigation, noting, "The victim's father has provided the names of some fellow students who were also allegedly abused. Given that most students have returned home after their exams, they will be called in with their parents to record statements, strictly in adherence to Pocso Act guidelines." This suggests a broader pattern of abuse that authorities are now probing.
Aftermath and Current Status of the Accused
Following the surfacing of these allegations, the rector allegedly attempted suicide and is currently receiving medical treatment in Surendranagar. This development adds a layer of complexity to the case, as investigators work to gather evidence and statements from other potential victims. The boy's father has also implicated other students in the complaint, indicating that this may not be an isolated incident.
The case underscores serious concerns about child safety in institutional settings and the enforcement of laws like the Pocso Act. As the investigation progresses, authorities are emphasizing strict compliance with legal protocols to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the accused.
