No answers yet

The staff of the government shelter home for girls in Moti Nagar is yet to come up with a convincing answer after a girl inmate’s pregnancy was confirmed on Tuesday.

Is it the lack of safety that led to the situation? Is the girl’s pregnancy a result of her alleged relationship with the son of a caretaker at the shelter home or there is some other theory? These questions remain answered.

The state commission for protection of child rights (SCPCR) that has sought a report on the case from the home staff is yet to receive any update. The district protection officer (DPO) is not commenting on the issue.

“I am shocked at the response from the shelter home staff and also the DPO. We had sought the report by 4pm on Wednesday and are extending the time to 12 noon on Thursday. If we fail to get answers to the nine points that we raised at the shelter home, we would seek intervention of the district magistrate and summon the officials concerned to initiate action for laxity,” said Juhie Singh, chairperson, SCPCR.

Shelter home supervisor, Rupinder Kaur, whose suspension was announced by minister for women and child welfare Shadab Fatima, also continued her services at the home. Kaur said she had not received any official letter of suspension.

Sources said the caretaker’s son was being compelled by the home staff to take the girl along with him and marry her. Some even said the home staff was trying to get the pregnancy terminated.