Death of tribal girl: Maharashtra Women’s Commission flags lapses at government-run residential school

Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar has said a preliminary probe into the death of a 16-year-old tribal student at a government-run residential school has revealed serious lapses at the establishment.

Ms. Chakankar on Friday (January 2, 2026) visited the school in Moroshi in Murbad tehsil of Thane district, where a Class X student was found dead on December 25, 2025.

Maharashtra civic polls: 68 Mahayuti candidates elected unopposed, including 44 of BJP

A 17-year-old boy was detained under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for sexual harassment and abetment of suicide in the case. Some parents had recently complained of unduly harsh discipline at the school.

Speaking to reporters, Ms. Chakankar claimed that girls returning to school after vacations were forced to undergo urine pregnancy tests.

Death of tribal girl: Maharashtra Women’s Commission flags lapses at government-run residential school

Related reading

Mother of 8-year-old gang war victim petitions MHRC over State’s neglect

Maharashtra leaders seek SIT, independent inquiry into woman doctor’s death

Maharashtra doctor ends life, accuses two policemen of rape in note

Death linked to cow vigilantes sparks protest in Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar

Kurupam tragedy: YSRCP leaders meet National ST Commission, seek fair probe

St. Columba’s School calls DoE inquiry ‘flawed’, denies lapses