Nashik government hostel sexual abuse case: 8 Class 10 students arrested under POCSO Act:The guardian of one of the victim children lodged a formal complaint with the police on Tuesday.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Eight Class 10 students have been arrested under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly engaging in unnatural sex with minor children at a government hostel in Maharashtra's Nashik district. The victims are in Classes 5 and 6.

According to Nashik Rural Police, this ragging incident had been ongoing for the past six to seven months. The accused older students would take younger students to isolated locations and force them into unnatural acts. Based on the victims' statements, it has been revealed that on February 22nd, the children reported the incident to the hostel superintendent.

The superintendent contacted the parents of the accused students and asked them to take them home, and also informed the parents of the victims. Following this, the parent of one of the victims filed a formal complaint with the police on Tuesday.

Nashik Rural Superintendent of Police Balasaheb Patil visited the scene and reviewed the investigation. SP Patil said, “This is a case of sexual assault under the guise of ragging. The accused students are being detained and will be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board, as they are minors.”

Police have also registered a case against the hostel superintendent and three other employees under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alleging that despite knowing about the incident, they failed to inform the police, as is legally mandated.