PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 17th August, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has asked the Government of Madhya Pradesh to explain its silence about the departmental action against a Hostel Superintendent, who sexually abused a class 10th student in Bharewa Boy's Hostel on the 20th July, 2014. The Commission has also sought details on the relief and rehabilitation measures taken for the victim within four weeks.

In a show cause notice issued to the State Government, though its Chief Secretary, the Commission has also asked why interim monetary relief of Rs.25 thousand should not be recommended to be paid to the victim boy. Further, the District Magistrate, Umaria has been directed to take steps for rehabilitation and further education of the victim boy under the welfare schemes of the State and Central Governments and appropriate action against the guilty.

The Commission's directions have come after it found that though the State Government had confirmed the incident in a report but it was silent on the departmental action, if any, taken against the accused as well as the quantum of compensation granted to the victim under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act & Rules. Further, no information had been furnished about the rehabilitation and education facilities granted to the victim boy under various welfare schemes.

However, the report, submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Umaria, said that an FIR was registered under POCSO Act against the Superintendent of Boy's Hostel and a charge sheet was filed in the court in the matter.

The Commission had taken cognizance of the matter on the basis of a complaint dated the 4th August, 2014 that a student of class 10th was sexually abused twice by the Superintendent of the Boy's Hostel, Bharewa.

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