Aurangabad Court Grants Bail to Catholic Nuns, Caretaker in Children's Home Escape Case

Aurangabad, July 14, 2025 — An Additional Sessions Court in Aurangabad on Monday granted bail to two Catholic nuns and a caretaker from Vidyadeep Children’s Home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, who were arrested last week after nine minor girls escaped from the facility and later levelled serious allegations against them. Additional Sessions Judge Dr. M. S. Deshpande issued the bail order following a hearing of Bail Application No. 1517 of 2025.

The accused—Suchita Bhaskar Gaikwad, Alka Fakirrao Salunke, and Joseph Anwelari Bhagwandas—were granted bail on the condition that each furnish a personal bond of ₹50,000 and separate local sureties of the same amount. The court also directed them to report to the Cantonment police station every Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. until the chargesheet in the case is filed. They must cooperate with the investigation, refrain from tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses, and seek prior permission of the court before leaving its jurisdiction.

The three accused were arrested following a dramatic incident on June 30 when nine girls escaped from the children’s home. The girls had requested a meeting with the Child Welfare Committee on the previous day. While all residents of the facility were waiting in the hall for the committee’s arrival on June 30, the nine girls reportedly 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. The group proceeded to the District Court and created a public disturbance before being taken to the CWC office, where they allegedly misbehaved and made serious allegations against the staff of the children's home.

The management of Vidyadeep Children’s Home, which is run by the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod and has served underprivileged children for over 100 years, has denied all the allegations. They maintain that the institution follows strict safety protocols, including CCTV monitoring, and believe the girls may have been influenced by an unidentified visitor the previous day.

The case remains under investigation.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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