Govt sets up panel to probe kids’ abuse

The Delhi government on Saturday set up a commission of enquiry (COE) to look into cases of child abuse, including the mysterious death of an 11-year-old girl who was raped, at Arya Anathalaya in Daryaganj. HT reports.

The Delhi government on Saturday set up a commission of enquiry (COE) to look into cases of child abuse, including the mysterious death of an 11-year-old girl who was raped, at Arya Anathalaya in Daryaganj.

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The COE will be headed by retired IAS officer Geeta Sagar, while another retired IAS officer Janak Juneja will serve as a member.

Serial sexual abuses at the orphanage was first reported by HT after a report by an NGO and the Delhi Police pointed out that kids were being assaulted in the unregistered facility. As of now, three staffers have been arrested and a juvenile resident has been apprehended.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit has asked the panel to submit its report, along with suggestions and corrective measures, to the government within one month. Besides, it has been entrusted to look into the state of affairs of five children homes — Arya Bal Griha, Arya Kanya Sadan, Chhatrawas Chandra Arya Vidya Mandir, Chandra Arya Vidyalaya and Arya Anathalaya.

The panel will study the management structure of these homes to find out lapses in their day-to-day functioning. Set up under Section 3 of the Commission of Enquiry Act 1954, it will examine adherence to various rules and regulations regarding care and protection of children. The committee will suggest a roadmap to revamp the place and institute a mechanism to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.