Shelter Home Scandal: Justice in Question

In Latur district, four out of five individuals linked to the rape of an HIV-infected minor at a shelter home were granted bail. The main accused, Amit Waghmare, remains in custody. The minor was allegedly raped multiple times, coerced into terminating her pregnancy, and silenced by the shelter's management.

Four of the five individuals charged in relation to the alleged rape of a minor with HIV at a shelter home in Latur district have been granted bail by the sessions court. However, the main accused, Amit Waghmare, fails to secure bail.

The court has granted bail to Sevalay founder Ravi Bapatle, superintendent Rachna Bapatle, and employees Rani and Pooja Waghmare, each on bonds of Rs 1 lakh. The alleged victim reported being raped repeatedly at the shelter over a span of two years and forced into terminating her pregnancy.

The incidents, happening between July 2023 and July 2024 at Sevalay in Hasegaon, remained concealed under threats and destroyed evidence. The situation came to light after the minor fell ill and a hospital test revealed her pregnancy, leading to an abortion performed against her will. Assuming full control of the shelter, authorities arrested Amit Ankush Waghmare on July 26.

(With inputs from agencies.)