A 16-year-old HIV-positive girl has come forward with shocking allegations of repeated sexual assault and forced abortion at a child care shelter in Maharashtra’s Latur district, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including the founder and superintendent of the facility.

The incidents allegedly occurred at Sevalay, a residential home for HIV-infected children located in Hasegaon. The survivour, a resident of Dharashiv district, was staying at the shelter for the past two years. In her complaint lodged at Dhoki police station, she stated that she was raped four times by an employee of the shelter between July 13, 2023, and July 23, 2024.

Minor’s Pregnancy Discovered; Abortion Done Without Consent

The girl’s health deteriorated recently, prompting the staff to take her to a hospital. Medical tests revealed she was four months pregnant. According to the complaint, a doctor arranged by the accused performed an abortion without her consent, a move that further intensified the trauma she had already endured.

Despite attempts to report the abuse, the girl faced apathy from the shelter’s authorities. She claimed that after writing a letter detailing her ordeal and submitting it to a complaint box, the management destroyed the letter and took no steps to help her. “She was also threatened not to disclose the ordeal to anyone,” a police official stated.

Six Booked in Minor’s Abuse Case

Based on the minor’s detailed testimony, police booked six individuals, including the founder, superintendent, the employee who allegedly raped her, and the doctor who carried out the abortion. The case was subsequently transferred to Ausa police station, which has territorial jurisdiction over the shelter’s location.

Following the transfer, four people were arrested. Latur Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe identified them as Sevalay’s founder Ravi Bapatle, superintendent Rachna Bapatle, and staff members Amit Mahamuni and Pooja Waghmare.

Sevalay Shelter Houses 30 HIV-Positive Children

Sevalay describes itself on its website as a “happy home of children” and reportedly accommodates 23 boys and 7 girls, all of whom are HIV-positive. The site also claims that its workers serve voluntarily without remuneration.

The disturbing revelations have sparked outrage, raising pressing questions about safety, monitoring, and accountability in care homes for vulnerable children. Police investigations are ongoing, and further action is expected.