Ratnagiri Gurukul Scandal: Bhagwan Kokare Maharaj Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of a Minor Student

Ratnagiri Gurukul case, Bhagwan Kokare Maharaj news, Pritesh Kadam arrest, sexual abuse case Ratnagiri, POCSO case Maharashtra, Warakari Gurukul scandal

A shocking case from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, has shaken the faith of many devotees. The revered Warakari Gurukul, once known as a center of devotion and discipline, is now under fire after its head, Bhagwan Kokare Maharaj, and teacher Pritesh Prabhakar Kadam were accused of sexually abusing a minor girl.

According to the police, the survivor filed an FIR alleging that both men exploited her trust and threatened her to stay silent. The case exposes the dark side of blind faith and how religious institutions can sometimes become a shield for predatory behavior.

The survivor stated that she joined the Gurukul on June 12. Everything appeared normal for the first few days, but soon, Kokare Maharaj allegedly began to harass her. The FIR quotes her testimony: “When I was alone in the room, he would enter, hit me, and touch me inappropriately.” She further claimed that teacher Pritesh Kadam threatened to harm her family and stop her education if she reported the abuse.

Acting swiftly, Ratnagiri police registered a case under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) and arrested both accused. They are currently in police custody, and the case is now under judicial review. The arrests indicate that the allegations were found to be serious enough to warrant immediate legal action — though the final verdict will rest with the court.

Parents across the state are expressing outrage and fear. Institutions like Gurukuls are meant to nurture faith, culture, and morality — but incidents like this raise crucial questions. Shouldn’t there be strict background checks, regular inspections, and transparency in such institutions? Blind trust can sometimes lead to irreparable damage.

The incident has also reignited a broader debate about how faith-based organizations must be held accountable. Any person who misuses their religious or educational position to exploit minors must face the full force of the law.

If you witness or suspect such abuse in any Gurukul, Ashram, or school, don’t stay silent. Contact the local police, Childline (1098), or Women’s Helpline immediately. Silence only empowers the offenders — your voice could save someone’s life.

As of now, both Bhagwan Kokare Maharaj and Pritesh Kadam remain under arrest. But this is only the beginning of a long legal battle. Justice takes time, yet every step forward matters — because no one is above the law, not even those hiding behind the cloak of religion.

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Khabar 24 Express — Nayi Soch, Naya Bharat.

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