Catholic Boarding Home in Turmoil After Minors Escape, Leading to Arrests and Allegations

Aurangabad, July 11, 2025 — The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a case involving the escape of nine minor girls from Vidyadeep Children’s Home, a government-recognised Catholic boarding facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district in Maharashtra. According to sources, two staff members and one caretaker are currently in judicial custody. 

The Vidyadeep Children’s Home, managed by the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod, has served underprivileged children for over a century. According to information received by Catholic Connect , the situation began on June 29 when a few girls isolated themselves and acted aggressively, damaging property and refusing interaction. The Children’s Welfare Committee (CWC) was informed and reportedly advised that the matter be handled internally. Police were later called to help resolve the issue, and the girls eventually calmed down.

The following day, the same group of girls asked to meet the CWC. A meeting was scheduled, and all residents were gathered in the hall. When the CWC did not arrive within the expected time, nine girls left the hall, locked the staircase gate, broke through the terrace door, cut their wrists, and escaped by climbing down to a lower roof. They allegedly threatened to harm themselves or anyone who tried to stop them.

Staff members, some parents, and police followed the girls as they ran to the District Court, where they reportedly created a disturbance. Later, at the CWC office, they allegedly misbehaved and made serious allegations against the boarding staff, which the institution insists are false. Days later, two staff members and a caretaker were arrested and sent to judicial custody.

The boarding home has denied all allegations. According to sources, the girls had been clearly instructed to use designated spaces for changing clothes and were never deprived of any needs. CCTV cameras had been installed for the safety of children, especially those prone to self-harm. The management suspects that the girls may have been influenced by a visitor the day before the incidents.

Bishop Bernard Lancy Pinto of Aurangabad, speaking to Catholic Connect, said, “The sisters have cared for the children with dedication over the years, and we will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. I ask all the faithful to keep them in their prayers.”

The management of Vidyadeep Boarding has reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of all children in its care, confirmed its cooperation with the ongoing legal process, and noted that the bail hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. As the case unfolds, the Catholic community awaits a fair and just resolution.

By Catholic Connect Reporter