A former Narayankhed councillor, Rajesh Chavan, has been booked for allegedly harassing minor girls at a state-run BC girls’ hostel in Sangareddy district, Telangana, police confirmed on Tuesday. The accused, in his mid-30s and son of the hostel warden, Sharada, faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for “misbehaviour” during frequent hostel visits, often in an inebriated state.

Inmates reported that Chavan’s actions were ignored by the warden, and two hostel workers allegedly abused them for raising complaints. Following student protests at the Narayankhed police station on Monday night, an assistant BC welfare officer conducted an inquiry, leading to a formal complaint. A case was registered against Chavan, his mother, and the two workers under BNS Section 74 (sexual harassment) and POCSO Act Section 8 (sexual assault).

The district BC welfare officer has initiated a departmental inquiry into the warden and workers’ conduct. Police are investigating further, with evidence collection ongoing. The case has sparked outrage, with BJP leaders like Venu Gopal condemning the Congress-affiliated councillor, amplifying calls for justice on social media.

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