Ashram school in Karad exposed as front for forced prostitution; two arrested

A shocking case has surfaced from Tembu village in Karad district where a woman was allegedly forcing destitute women and girls into prostitution under the guise of running an ashram school. This heinous activity, which was going on for some time, was recently uncovered by the Karad Rural Police.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the case: Valmik Mahadev Mane, a resident of Mhasoli in Karad district, and a woman whose name has not been released by the authorities. Both the suspects were produced before the First Class Magistrate and have been remanded in judicial custody till August 23.

This is how the problem came to light

The investigation began after reports emerged that women and girls seeking shelter at the Tembu orphanage were being forced into prostitution. The situation came to light following the social unrest caused by recent incidents of atrocities in other parts of the country. Following these reports, the rural police raided the ashram, where they discovered the extent of the exploitation.

A victim from Lonand area, who stayed at the orphanage, said that she was forced into prostitution soon after arriving. She had initially sought refuge at the ashram after the death of her husband, but soon became a victim of abuse. The complaint filed by this victim described how the female suspect, with the help of Valmik Mane, forced her to perform sexual acts with multiple men, taking money in return.

Further investigation has revealed that the suspect woman and her accomplice exploited other women in the orphanage in a similar manner. Police are now investigating whether more people were involved in this criminal operation.

During their raid, police also discovered an elderly woman and her granddaughter who had been living at the ashram for ten years. They have since been transferred to the Ashakiran Women’s Orphanage for their safety.

Police continue to investigate the case, with the aim of revealing the full extent of the human trafficking ring and ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice.