Molestation at Delhi shelter: FIR filed against authority after DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal's intervention
Maliwal received written complaints of severe human rights violations from over 32 girls after which she summoned the women and child development director.
Taking action against the authorities of the Children Home for Girls after finding instances of abuse and human rights violations, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) asked the police to file an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
DCW chief Swati Maliwal made a surprise visit to the Children Home for Girls after finding instances of abuse and human rights violations. It was followed by another inspection early on Monday morning.
Maliwal received written complaints of severe human rights violations from over 32 girls after which she summoned the women and child development director. The DCW chairperson raised the issue with Hon'ble deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.
- Sisodia ordered immediate transfer and disciplinary proceedings against 6 staff, however, no transfers have been made till date except of two outsourced contract employees.
- The DCW chairperson visited the Children Home for Girls in Nirmal Chhaya Complex after receiving complaints of girls residing in the Home through DSLSA.
- The surprise inspections lasted for over 10 hours wherein DCW chief interacted with the girls.
- At least 32 written complaints were received wherein the girls alleged serious human rights violations and lapses in the home.
- The girls complained of repeated beating and being injected forcibly which allegedly leads to growth and disturbs their menstruation cycles.
- They also alleged that the accused forcefully checked their panties to ascertain if they are bleeding during menstruation. Even girls as young as 5 complained of being beaten in the home.
- The Commission was horrified to note an extreme shortage of staff to the extent that there was only 1 cook catering to 140 girls.
- DCW witnessed minor girls cooking food, the quality of which was abysmal.
- The Commission undertook another surprise inspection and observed that children were beaten for speaking and revealing about the harassment to the Commission.
- DCW also met the Police Commissioner, recommending immediate registration of an FIR. After the intervention of the Police Commissioner, the FIR was registered by PS Hari Nagar under Sections 323/326/506/120B of the IPC and Section 75 JJ Act.
- "It is shocking that despite the FIR being registered against the erring staff and Hon'ble Deputy CM ordering immediate transfers, the concerned officers are present in the Home. DCW strongly urges WCD to immediately transfer and prohibit the erring officers from entering the Home," DCW chairperson Swati Jai Hind stated.
- "DCW also urges Delhi Police to conduct speedy investigation in the matter. These girls are victims of trafficking, abandonment and other horrific crimes. They are the most vulnerable and it is the duty of the state to protect them," she added.
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