NHRC notice to Government of Madhya Pradesh over reported sexual exploitation of girls at a Ratlam Shelter Home (01.02.2019)

New Delhi, 1st February, 2019

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that girls of a Shelter Home, Kundan Kuteer Balika Grah at Jaora town in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh were being sexually exploited, assaulted and manhandled. Five inmates of the Shelter Home had escaped on the 24th January, 2019, by breaking the window of the toilet and later they were traced in Mandsaur. The police have three persons, including a couple, in this connection. Reportedly, efforts are being made to arrest the current President of the Shelter Home, who is also an accused in the case.

The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks including all the details regarding action taken against the culprits, steps taken for relief/rehabilitation/counseling of the victim girls. The response is expected, within four weeks.

It has also expressed serious concern over the rising incidents of the sexual exploitation of the girls at the Shelter Homes, which are meant to provide protection, relief and succor to them. It is painful to know that the persons, who are supposed to protect the girl inmates are accused of subjecting them to indignity in their custody.

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