Pune: Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Teacher Arrested Under POCSO and Atrocity Act for Misbehaviour with Underage Student

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Nigdi, 24th July 2025: A disturbing incident occurred in a school operated by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), where a 13-year-old seventh-grade girl and several of her friends were subjected to inappropriate acts by a teacher. The incident took place in the Nigdi area between 11th and 19th July. The situation came to light after a PCMC student counsellor was informed.

Santosh Bendre (age 51, resident of Chikhali), a teacher at the school, has been arrested by Nigdi Police. A case was registered against him late Wednesday night under BNS sections 74 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 78 (stalking), and 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), as well as relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 (POCSO) and The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989.

According to the police reports, Bendre consistently sexually harassed female students, including the primary victim.
He allegedly touched students inappropriately, stalked them, followed them towards the bathroom, and even attempted to peek inside.
These actions were intended to outrage the modesty of the students.
As their class teacher, Bendre’s position made students hesitant and afraid to report his behavior.

Eventually, one brave student stepped forward, leading to the registration of the case and the subsequent arrest.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Pimpri Division), Sachin Hire, is currently investigating the matter further.

ACP Hire told Punekar News, “The student complained to a PCMC counsellor, who then reported the incident to us. As soon as the case was brought to our attention, we registered it and took prompt action. The full list of students who were harassed was collected by the counselor, and we have it. The accused will be produced in court today.”

A PCMC official told Punekar News, “The students confided in their parents, other teachers, and our counsellors. Student safety is our first priority. We have Damini Pathaks and Muskan Foundation teams in schools to teach students about good touch and bad touch. The students are encouraged to report any incident, and that is why they came forward and shared their experiences.”