Mumbai Caretaker Accused of Assaulting Minors at Shelter Home
Incident Overview
Representational Image
Mumbai, June 30: Authorities have initiated legal action against Rajesh Kumar, a 21-year-old caretaker at Swagat Ashram located in Kandivali West, Mumbai, for allegedly assaulting two minors. Reports indicate that the caretaker physically attacked an 11-year-old boy after the child and his sibling were late waking up.
Details of the Assault
The situation came to light when the two boys escaped from the shelter and were later found by the Dadar Railway Police. An investigation has been launched to look into the incident.
According to the victim's account, the children had been residing at the ashram following the death of their father in September 2025. Their mother had placed them there, hoping to secure a better future and educational opportunities for them.
Circumstances Leading to the Escape
The victim recounted that on June 8, around 4 a.m., he and his cousin were tasked with fetching water at the ashram. After completing their chore by 5 a.m., they intended to rest until 6 a.m. for kitchen duties but overslept due to fatigue.
In a fit of rage over their tardiness, the caretaker allegedly hurled a bottle at one of the boys and then struck the 11-year-old multiple times on his back. When the child turned to face him, the caretaker reportedly seized him by the throat and slapped him repeatedly.
Escape and Rescue
The complaint states that the children had been enduring regular mistreatment at the shelter. Fearing further abuse, the 11-year-old and his 14-year-old friend made the decision to escape.
After leaving the ashram, the victim borrowed Rs 100 from a nearby vegetable vendor, mentioning the caretaker's name. The boys then took an auto-rickshaw to Kandivali railway station and boarded a local train to Dadar, intending to reach Ahilyanagar to find their mother.
Police Intervention
An observant citizen spotted the boys on Platform No. 13 at Dadar railway station and alerted the Dadar Railway Police. Officers took the children into protective custody, provided counseling, and uncovered the alleged abuse they had suffered at the shelter.
Following this, the police contacted the boys' mother and notified the management of Swagat Ashram. After medical evaluations, both children were relocated to a secure children's home.
In compliance with directives from the Child Welfare Committee, Mumbai City, a case has been filed against Rajesh Kumar. Investigations into the alleged assault and the operations of the shelter home are ongoing.