Khadavali POCSO Case: Maharashtra Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe Demands Immediate Action and Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Child Shelters

The shocking revelations of alleged sexual abuse at the ‘Pasaydan’ child shelter in Khadavali, Thane district, have stirred a wave of outrage across Maharashtra. Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has raised serious concerns and demanded urgent intervention from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare. In a strongly worded letter addressed to top state authorities, Gorhe expressed grave concern over the abuse of minor children under the pretense of care and protection. According to reports, a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and suspicions have been raised about the involvement of some officials from the institution.

Neelam Gorhe’s letter goes beyond just the immediate case. She has laid out a comprehensive list of demands to ensure not only justice for the victims but also preventive mechanisms to avoid such tragedies in the future. Her key demands include strict action against the accused under the POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and Indian Penal Code (IPC), appointment of experienced and specialized legal counsel to fast-track legal proceedings, formation of an independent high-level inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly, immediate cancellation of the institution’s registration under the Charitable Trusts Act, psychological counseling and rehabilitation support for the affected children, and a state-wide campaign to inspect and take action against illegal child shelters and residential institutions.

In her letter, Gorhe highlighted that this is not the first time such a case has emerged. Despite repeated representations in the past, including in the infamous Kalamboli case where the accused received life imprisonment, similar incidents continue to surface — indicating systemic loopholes and administrative neglect. “It is extremely disheartening that even after such grave precedents, we are seeing repeated violations of children’s basic rights,” Gorhe stated. She also emphasized that institutions meant to safeguard children are, in some cases, turning into spaces of trauma, which must not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Neelam Gorhe has urged the Maharashtra government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children. She stressed that this is the time to send a strong message — that child abuse, especially within registered institutions, will be met with the harshest consequences. “The government must lead by example and take decisive action that not only ensures justice but sets a new standard for child protection in Maharashtra,” she said.

Gorhe also underlined the urgent need for better monitoring systems, regular inspections, and transparency in the functioning of child shelters and homes. She called for stricter licensing, periodic audits, and making helplines more accessible to children in distress. She reiterated that without proactive governance and community participation, such shelters can easily become spaces of exploitation. Hence, she demanded a collaborative effort between law enforcement, social welfare departments, child rights commissions, and NGOs.

The Khadavali POCSO case has once again exposed the dark underbelly of certain child welfare institutions. As the government faces increasing pressure to act, voices like Neelam Gorhe’s are echoing the sentiments of citizens and rights activists alike — demanding justice, accountability, and long-term reforms. If the state responds decisively, this tragedy could become a turning point in how Maharashtra safeguards its most vulnerable citizens — its children.