Boy, 14, sexually abused at madrasa; cops fear more children may have been targeted

A 14-year-old boy studying at a madrasa in Maharashtra's Nagpur was allegedly sexually abused by a man who frequently visited the institution, police said, adding that the accused remains absconding. Investigators are also looking into claims that other children may have been targeted.

The incident came to light on June 20 after police received information that a student at Darul Murul Taj Madrasa had been subjected to unnatural sexual abuse. Investigators are also probing whether more children may have been subjected to similar abuse.

According to police, the accused has been identified as 26-year-old Atay Rasool alias Tanif, a resident of Bihar. A case has been registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and efforts are underway to trace him.

Police said around 10 students from different parts of the country were staying at the madrasa and receiving religious education. During the probe, investigators found that the accused, identified as Atay Rasool alias Tanif, was a friend of a maulana associated with the madrasa and frequently visited the premises.

Police alleged that Tanif sexually abused a 14-year-old student staying at the madrasa. The allegation was corroborated during the child's medical examination, officials said.

Investigators were also informed that an attempt had allegedly been made to sexually abuse another child at the institution.

A case has been registered against Tanif under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The child has been sent under care and protection measures, while police teams are searching for the accused.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra State Minorities Commission chairman Pyare Khan said the commission had received a complaint alleging such incidents at the madrasa, following which the matter was reported to the police.

Khan said that while one case had been confirmed so far, there were concerns that other children may also have been victimised.

"We received a complaint that such incidents were taking place at the madrasa. After the complaint, the matter was brought to the police. One child's case has been confirmed so far, but there could be more victims. Police have been asked to investigate that angle as well," he said.

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