Juveniles accuse observation home staff of sexual abuse

Juveniles living at the government observation home on Mohaan Road have alleged sexual abuse by the staff members of the home. A letter written by the juveniles mentions details of the torture and abuse .

The children have complained about supply of drugs within the observation home and harsh behaviour of the staff .

They have alleged that they are asked to get money from their homes and if they fail to do so, they are threatened. The staff members threaten the juveniles that if they do not meet the demands, they would be sent to jails, says the letter. The children have also complained that the staff members abuse them and do not allow them to use the toilet at night .

They have also said that drugs are supplied to the juveniles against money by staff members and guards.

Following the complaints, the district probation officer visited the home but the children alleged that he did not listen to the complaints of the sufferers. In yet another letter, the children mentioned that the DPO listened to the children who were not the victims of sexual abuse. When the victims approached the DPO to narrate their stories, they were abused and sent away.

Talking to Hindustan Times, Renuka Kumar, principal secretary, women and child welfare department said, “As soon as we came to know about the complaint, immediate action was initiated. The accused have been suspended and FIR has been lodged against two . A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.”

Kumar added that 16 home guards deployed at the home had also been shunted out. The in charge of the home had also been removed.

It may be noted that CCTV cameras were installed at the observation home. However, two of them are defunct. “The footage of the rest of the cameras is being monitored to get evidence of the complaints raised by children,” said Kumar.

This isn’t the first time such an incident has come to light. A surprise inspection by Juvenile Board members had highlighted similar anomalies within the observation home a couple of years ago. Cash, gold and drugs were confiscated and children had accused staff members of the home of sexual abuse. But no concrete action was taken.

Children of government boys’ shelter home on Mohaan Road also complained of beating and physical torture by staff earlier this year.

At that time too, there were some transfers and suspensions which did not prove very fruitful. Sangeeta Sharma, member child welfare committee said, “Such children should get proper psychological treatment.”