Pune: An alarming incident has come to light in the Warje Malwadi area, where a dance instructor from a reputed school has been accused of inappropriate behavior with students. The revelation has sparked outrage among parents, leading to demands for accountability and stricter safety protocols in schools.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday (December 17) when the young girl informed her parents about the alleged act. The distressed parents immediately confronted the school administration, demanding action against the instructor. The school responded by removing the instructor from his position and handing him over to the police.
The police promptly began an investigation into the matter. Sambhaji Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III), stated that a case had been registered, and the accused was arrested late on Tuesday night.
The accused has been identified as Mangesh Salve. The incident came to light during a counselling session in the school.
In the aftermath of the incident, parents took to social media, circulating messages to organize a protest at the school premises. They also called for the school to remain closed on Wednesday, December 18, as a mark of protest against the incident and to push for better child safety measures.
In August 2024, a 10-year-old girl revealed that she had been sexually assaulted by a 68-year-old man. The incident was revealed during a a "Good Touch, Bad Touch" awareness program organized in the school in the Khadakwasla area of Pune to educate students, especially girls, on this sensitive issue.
The accused in the Khadakwasla case, Dilip Namdeo Mate, was been arrested. Mate had lured the girl into a nearby room under the pretext of giving her money for snacks and then sexually assaulted her.