CBI court to give verdict on April 16

PANCHKULA: The CBI court will give verdict in the infamous Apna Ghar sexual exploitation case on Monday as the case is listed for order on April 16.

The final arguments in the case were being held since February 14. The last hearing was held on April 10.

The case hit national headlines in May 2012 after a team from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) rescued nearly 103 inmates, mostly children and young girls, from the destitute home called Apna Ghar in Rohtak during a surprise raid.

Inmates of the shelter home were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse, besides physical and mental exploitation, and used as bonded labour.

After initiating a probe, the CBI in the challan in August 2012 charged Jaswanti Devi, head of the now-sealed Apna Ghar, as prime accused, along with nine others.

She has been facing trial for rape, gang-rape, immoral trafficking, hurt, grievous hurt, molestation, causing abortion without woman’s consent, unlawful compulsory labour and treating children with cruelty.

Other accused include her son-in-law Jai Bhagwan, brother Jaswant Singh, daughter Sushma, driver Satish and worker Sheela. Jaswanti, Jaswant, Jai Bhagwan and Satish are currently lodged in jail while others were released on bail.

122 PROSECUTION WITNESSES EXAMINED DURING THE TRIAL

As many as 122 prosecution witnesses were examined during the trial. A counsel privy to the trial said that testimony of 10-12 inmates was vital to the case.