Four more employees of an ashram school in Maharashtra’s Buldhana were arrested on Friday in connection with the rape of a student, taking the number of accused to 15. The Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team to look into the rape and other allegations of sexual assault on students, and has also de-recognised the state-run school, which has now been closed.

Among those arrested were the principal and school trustees. They were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The four have been sent to judicial custody till November 10.

According to dna, at least 12 minor girls were raped on the boarding school premises, around 450 km from Mumbai, before Diwali this year. However, other reports say the arrests have been made in one case, in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old who is reportedly pregnant.

Muktainagar MLA and former Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse assured that all possible help will be given to the families of victims. “The government will take cognisance of the case and the culprits will be given capital punishment,” he said.