Nine, including minor, go missing from govt shelter

NEWDELHI: The Delhi government on Monday suspended two senior officials after eight women and a differently abled minor girl were reported missing from a government-run shelter in northeast Delhi since Saturday night.

The inmates were allegedly treated improperly at the shelter. Earlier, the child welfare committee (CWC) had filed complaint with the department of women and child development (WCD) alleging that the shelter’s superintendent had assaulted the minor. No action, however, was taken in the matter. According to police, except for the minor, all other missing inmates were aged between 18-20 years. “The inmates were reportedly missing since Saturday. We got a call regarding the incident around on Sunday. The lock of the terrace door was found broken,” said a police officer. Shahdara DCP Meghna Yadav said a case was registered. Most of those who are missing are either survivors of trafficking or sexual abuse.

The government suspended the WCD district officer (northeast) and the shelter’s superintendent. While ordering the suspension, Deputy chief minister Sisodia said the WCD had failed in its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for women and minor who were placed under protection of the state.

Despite multiple attempts, WCD officials and the superintendent could not be reached for comment.

The DCW, meanwhile, said they had received at least two complaints from CWC about irregularities in the functioning of the home and improper conduct by the superintendent.

Swati Maliwal, DCW chairperson, said, “We hope the case is transferred to the Crime Branch for a high-level investigation in the matter, as there are chances that the girls again fall prey to the menace of trafficking.”