New Delhi: 14th March, 2014
The investigations of the National Human Rights Commission have confirmed the incidents of drug abuse, sexual assault and violence with surgical blades etc. among the inmates of the Seva Kutir Juvenile Home, Mukherjee Nagar, New Delhi. The private agency, responsible for the security of the Home, had failed to stop the entry of contraband substances and surgical blades.
In the light of the findings of its investigation team about the condition of the Home, the Commission has recommended that the Delhi Police Commissioner should order for a security review of all the Juvenile Homes in the National Capital. The private agency, which is given the contract for the security of the Juvenile Homes, should ensure deployment of security personnel as per the strength and guidelines recommended by the Delhi Police after the review.
The Commission has asked the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi to take immediate necessary action and submit an action taken report within six weeks.
The Commission took up the issue suo motu and registered a case No. 7095/30/4/2013 based on media reports that there were brawls and beatings and incidents of drug abuse and sexual assault among the inmates. The Juvenile Home staff was not able to control them. While directing for a surprise inspection of the Home by its Investigation Division, the Commission had also called for reports from the Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi on the 19th December, 2013.
The NHRC investigation team, deputed for surprise inspection of the institution, also made the following observations:
" Some juveniles used to take drugs and managed to sneak in some tablets/chewing tobacco inside the Home. This indicated lapse in screening of the visitors or the juveniles at the time of their entry in the Home.
" The allegations of physical harassment/intimidation and sexual abuse by some bully juveniles were also found to be true. Such tormentors were primarily repeat offenders and those transferred from Tihar/Rohini Jail on account of their juvenility.
" The staff at the Juvenile Home is terrified for their own safety as some of them were attacked by the juveniles in the incident of October and December, 2013.
" The majority of staff posted (18 out of 34) at the Juvenile Home is on contractual basis. Non-disbursement of pay on time and their non-permanent status were de-motivating factors under the given circumstances.
The team has also recommended various suggestions for an overall improvement in the facilities and atmosphere inside the Juvenile Homes for the better care of the juveniles in conflict with law.
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