Pune Teacher Accused of Assaulting 39 Girls Released as Court Cites Procedural Lapse
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In a shocking development, a schoolteacher accused of sexually assaulting 30 minor girls was released from judicial custody due to a procedural error by the Ranjangaon MIDC police. The accused, identified as Anil Mahadev Shelke (52), a resident of Sone Sangvi in Shirur Taluka, was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. However, the police failed to provide written intimation of his arrest, leading the court to declare the detention illegal.
Court’s Observation
Special Sessions Judge Kavita Shirbhate ordered Shelke’s release, citing the police’s failure to adhere to mandatory legal provisions. “The police machinery has not complied with the mandatory provisions. There is no record of written intimation given to the accused,” the court observed. Consequently, Shelke was released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond.
Defense Argument
Defense lawyer Vipul Dushing argued that the police had violated Article 22(1) of the Constitution and Section 50 of the Criminal Procedure Code by not informing the accused of his arrest in writing. Dushing referenced Supreme Court and Bombay High Court rulings that mandate written communication of arrest grounds to protect fundamental rights.
Police Procedural Lapse
The court noted that Column 8 of the arrest panchnama, which records the time, place, and grounds of arrest, was left blank. This critical oversight indicated non-compliance with arrest protocols.
Police Response
Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Pankaj Deshmukh denied the lapses, claiming, “We have records and documents showing that we informed the accused’s relatives, and they signed the papers. We can provide CCTV footage as evidence.” However, the absence of these records in court led to Shelke’s release. Deshmukh added that the department would seek legal advice on the next steps.
Incident Background
The allegations surfaced on December 18, 2024, when parents of five sixth-grade girls at the Zilla Parishad School in Karegaon reported inappropriate behavior by Shelke. Subsequent inquiries revealed that 30 girls had similar complaints. The school principal reported the incidents to the Block Development Officer, leading to Shelke’s arrest on December 24, 2024. After five days in police custody, Shelke was transferred to judicial custody until his release on February 10, 2025.
Concerns Over Justice
The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of procedures under the POCSO Act, which is designed to protect minors from abuse. The procedural lapse has not only undermined the legal process but also sparked fears about the safety of children and the accountability of law enforcement in handling sensitive cases.
