Cops to shift eyewitness children

The police have decided to get the children's statements recorded in front of a magistrate, before arresting staffers of central Delhi's Arya orphanage.

The police have decided to get the children's statements recorded in front of a magistrate, before arresting staffers of central Delhi's Arya orphanage.

HT Image

Police said the statements would be the only crucial evidence. "A police team had visited the orphanage on Wednesday and Thursday along with counsellors. Two kids are witnesses in the existing FIRs, and we are in the process of getting their statements recorded," a senior police officer said.

The police are also taking legal opinion on whether a case can be registered on the Delhi government's complaint.

"We are working in coordination with the Delhi government's Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and if needed more FIRs will be filed. So far, we have identified three staffers. Two have been accused of physically abusing children, while one is accused of sexually abusing a boy. After the statements are recorded, they will be arrested," the officer added.

An 11-year-old girl of Arya orphanage died on December 24 after being raped over a period of time.

Separate reports by an NGO and semi-judicial authority CWC had pointed out cases of serial sexual and physical abuse at the orphanage.

According to sources, the police are asking other children living in the orphanage about the allegations, but they are too scared to say anything.

Police will shift the children who are eyewitnesses to another location. "To ensure their safety, we have decided to shift the children," the officer added.