Days after a shocking case of molestation and theft at the government-run OBC Girls’ Hostel near IC Square on Hingna Road, the hostel’s warden and security guard have been dismissed from contractual service. The action follows an internal inquiry that revealed serious lapses in safety and supervision.
The incident occurred in the early hours of July 23, when two unidentified intruders entered the hostel premises and barged into the room of a young engineering student. The accused reportedly attempted to molest the girl and stole her mobile phone before fleeing the scene. An FIR was lodged at the MIDC Police Station the same morning under BNS Section 354 and relevant sections for theft.
Following the inquiry, the Regional Deputy Director of the Other Backward Class Welfare Department, Vijay Wakulkar, confirmed in a press release that both the hostel’s warden and the on-duty guard have been removed from service. The department has also initiated a comprehensive review of safety measures across all state-run hostels in the region.
The probe revealed that the intruders gained access to the building through an emergency staircase, the lock of which had been broken three days earlier during a cleaning operation. Shockingly, it was never repaired, leaving the premises vulnerable to unauthorized entry. The hostel, which began operations just nine months ago, lacked CCTV cameras, proper security staffing, and an emergency alert system.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and the local community, with many questioning how a government facility meant for vulnerable students was allowed to operate with such glaring security gaps. Allegations have also emerged about irregularities in the hostel’s contract management, raising concerns over compromised safety in favour of financial interests.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend the accused, while the welfare department has assured immediate corrective action to prevent such lapses in the future.
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