Recently a shocking case has come to light from an ashram in Ujjain. An ashram teacher, who was hailed as a hero last year for helping a helpless minor rape victim seek help, has now been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting three minor boys at a school in Ujjain. After this incident, the management of the ashram immediately informed the police and further action is underway.
According to online reports, ‘Mahakal police station in-charge Ajay Verma said that three boys studying in a religious institute, two of them 14 years old and one 12 years old, complained on Tuesday evening alleging sexual exploitation. He said that about 80 children live and study in the institute.
Police have registered three FIRs against 21-year-old teacher Rahul Sharma and ashram caretaker Ajay Thakur under various IPC and POCSO Act sections. Both the men have been remanded to judicial custody, adding that there are reportedly several other victims who have not yet come forward and filed a complaint. Ujjain SP Pradeep Sharma said, “So far three children have come forward and complained. We have arrested two people in this case.”
In September 2023, a minor girl was found walking on the streets of Ujjain, bloodied and partially naked, after an autorickshaw driver allegedly raped her. Despite her condition, she wandered around the area for an hour without anyone coming to her help, and a resident even chased her away.
Rahul Sharma claimed that after seeing the girl outside the ashram, he helped her. During that time, he said, “This is a holy city, and people here are thought to be helpful, but no one helped him… There was no humanity here.”
Currently, police deny any connection to the rape case in Ujjain. A senior police officer said, “We have seen 200 CCTV videos and so far his role has been ruled out.” It is reported that children from poor families were sent for Pandit training at this ashram affiliated with the State Sanskrit Board, used to go.
About 10 days ago, a minor boy who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Thakur informed his mother when he returned home. “The child’s parents came to the ashram. Then the ashram employee Thakur was dismissed. A senior officer reported that several more parents made similar allegations at the ashram.
The officer noted the presence of several other victims and emphasized the need to encourage them to come forward and report. Additionally, it was observed that non-uniformed policemen attempted to talk to the children, but they refused out of fear.
