Yogesh Patel (52), the principal of the Adivasi ashram shala (residential school) on Mandvi-Kim road in Surat district, has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault of almost 20 minor female students. 

The Navsari native was booked under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, on October 6. Mandvi Police Inspector (PI) J G Mode and his team led the arrest. They have recorded statements from “15-20” of the survivors of Patel’s alleged offences and are continuing their investigation. 

Primary investigation

Patel joined the school as a teacher in 2003 and became principal in 2013. He lived alone on the premises, and created “teams” of girl students — all from Classes 7 and 8 — to do his chores including washing his clothes, doing his dishes and making refreshments. “He also regularly sent the other girls out of the room while he took advantage of them physically, one at a time, according to reports.” an investigator said, asking not to be named since this is an ongoing case. 

The incident came to light when the students banded together to inform school authorities and the hostel warden. Parents of the students have also been informed. 

Disturbing parallels

Patel’s arrest comes barely a fortnight after Dahod principal Govind Nat was arrested for the murder of a six-year-old who resisted when he tried to rape her. 

The Mandvi investigation has revealed that a previous principal of the same boarding school was accused of raping a female student 23 years ago. 

These incidents reveal a disturbing pattern of exploitation in educational institutions meant to protect and nurture vulnerable children, and raise serious questions about the long-term safety measures and oversight in these residential schools.

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