In the quiet village of Hasegaon, Latur district, Maharashtra, India, a shelter home meant to be a sanctuary for HIV-positive children has become the scene of a chilling crime. Sevalay, a facility housing vulnerable young boys and girls, proudly calls itself a ‘happy home of children’ on its website.
But for one 16-year-old girl, it was a place of fear, violation, and betrayal. Her courage to speak out has now led to the arrest of four individuals, including the shelter’s founder, exposing a horrific tale of abuse and neglect.
A Home That Turned Hostile
The girl, whose identity remains protected, arrived at Sevalay two years ago, seeking refuge in what was supposed to be a safe space for children living with HIV. The shelter, home to 23 boys and seven girls, all HIV-positive were promised care and compassion, with staff reportedly working selflessly for free. But behind the facade of altruism, a predator lurked.
Between July 13, 2023, and July 23, 2024, the teenager endured unimaginable trauma. She alleges that an employee of Sevalay raped her four times over the two-year period. Each assault was accompanied by threats that silenced her, trapping her in a cycle of fear. The man warned her to keep quiet, leveraging her vulnerability as an HIV-positive minor far from her family in Dharashiv district. Alone and terrified, she carried the weight of her secret, unsure of where to turn.
A Pregnancy Revealed, A Choice Stolen
In early 2024, the girl fell ill, her body weakened by more than just her medical condition. Taken to a hospital for tests, she received devastating news: she was four months pregnant. The revelation could have been a moment for support and justice, but instead, it marked another violation. The accused employee, instead of facing accountability, allegedly arranged for a doctor to perform an abortion without the girl’s consent. The procedure was carried out in secrecy, stripping her of agency over her own body.
The physical and emotional toll was immense. The girl, already grappling with the stigma of her HIV status and the trauma of repeated assaults, now faced the pain of a forced medical procedure. Yet, her abusers continued to wield power, warning her against speaking out.
A Plea for Help Ignored
Determined to seek justice, the teenager found a flicker of hope in Sevalay’s complaint box, a mechanism meant to give residents a voice. She poured her anguish into a letter, detailing the abuse and pleading for help, and dropped it into the box, trusting that someone would act. But that trust was shattered. The shelter’s management, far from protecting her, allegedly tore up the letter, dismissing her cry for help. The act was a stark betrayal, leaving her to feel more isolated than ever in a place meant to be her sanctuary.
Sevalay’s website paints a rosy picture of a caring institution, but the girl’s experience tells a darker story. The management’s failure to act raised questions about the oversight and accountability within the shelter, where vulnerable children depend entirely on those in charge for their safety.
Justice Finally Stirred
The girl’s resilience refused to be crushed. Despite the threats and the destroyed letter, she found the strength to file a formal complaint with the Dhoki police station in her native Dharashiv district. Her words, raw and unflinching, laid bare the horrors she had endured at Sevalay. The complaint detailed not only the rapes but also the forced abortion and the management’s complicity in silencing her.
The police acted swiftly, booking six individuals in connection with the case. The accused included the employee who allegedly raped her, the doctor who performed the abortion, and, shockingly, the shelter’s leadership: founder Ravi Bapatle, superintendent Rachna Bapatle, and employees Amit Mahamuni and Pooja Waghmare. The case was soon transferred to Ausa police station, as the incidents fell under its jurisdiction.
On Friday, July 25, 2025, four of the accused- Ravi Bapatle, Rachna Bapatle, Amit Mahamuni, and Pooja Waghmare were arrested, confirmed Latur Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe. The arrests sent shockwaves through the community, tarnishing Sevalay’s reputation as a haven for HIV-positive children.
A Community in Shock, A System Under Scrutiny
The arrests have left the residents of Hasegaon and beyond reeling. Sevalay, once seen as a beacon of hope for children battling HIV, now stands accused of harboring abuse and neglect. The shelter’s claim that all workers serve voluntarily has done little to quell public outrage, as questions swirl about how such atrocities could go unchecked for so long.
For the 16-year-old survivor, the road to healing is long. Her bravery in coming forward has not only led to arrests but also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of children in institutional care, especially those living with HIV who face unique vulnerabilities. The case has exposed gaps in oversight, raising demands for stricter regulations and accountability in shelters across Maharashtra.
The Investigation Continues
As the police delve deeper, the full scope of the allegations is yet to be uncovered. The two-remaining accused, including the doctor and the alleged rapist, are still under scrutiny, with authorities working to ensure justice is served. Latur SP Amol Tambe has assured the public that the investigation will be thorough, leaving no stone unturned.
The girl’s story is a stark reminder of the resilience of survivors and the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable. In a shelter meant to offer love and security, she found fear and betrayal, but her courage has lit a path toward justice, demanding that her voice, once silenced, now be heard.
