NHRC calls for reports on the branches of an orphanage in Jodhpur, Surat, Kolkata and Bengaluru from the concerned State Governments after Madhya Pradesh Government registers an FIR against its Indore branch on the allegations of child atrocities

Press Release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi, 25th January, 2024

NHRC calls for reports on the branches of an orphanage in Jodhpur, Surat, Kolkata and Bengaluru from the concerned State Governments after Madhya Pradesh Government registers an FIR against its Indore branch on the allegations of child atrocities

Reports also sought from the M. P. Government on the further steps taken in the matter

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that the children aged between four and fourteen years were being subjected to torture at an orphanage in Indore, Madhya Pradesh and the police has registered an FIR in the matter on a complaint by the Child Welfare Committee. Reportedly, apart from Indore, the orphanage has its branches in Jodhpur, Surat, Kolkata and Bengaluru under four states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal and Karnataka.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, amounts to serious violation of human rights of the inmates at the orphanage. It has noted that taking lawful action, an FIR has been registered by the police at Indore, but the matter has inter-state ramification. Therefore, an enquiry/ inspection of the other branches of the orphanage, situated outside Indore is also necessary.

Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries and the Directors General of Police of the States of Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal and Karnataka calling for an action taken report in the matter after conducting an enquiry/ inspection of the branches of the orphanage mentioned in the news report. They are expected to submit their detailed reports including the action taken against the responsible persons, within 4 weeks.

The Chief Secretary and DGP of the State of Madhya Pradesh are also directed to indicate the further steps taken in the matter, within 4 weeks.

As per news report, carried on 19th January, 2024, the District Collector of Indore said that the CWC team has found violations of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and they have sealed the hostel and shifted the children to government facilities.

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