Staff refuse to talk, say authorities asked them to keep quiet

NEW DELHI: The child welfare home in Lajpat Nagar wore a deserted look on Wednesday after its superintendent, Ram Sahay Meena, was arrested for allegedly molesting

NEW DELHI: The child welfare home in Lajpat Nagar wore a deserted look on Wednesday after its superintendent, Ram Sahay Meena, was arrested for allegedly molesting over 12 minor resident girls.

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Employees of the welfare home declined to comment when approached by HT. Some of them said they were unaware of the incident. Others said they were instructed to refrain from speaking.

The welfare home is divided into two compounds situated close to each other. The first complex includes the administrative office, along with accommodation for the older boys. The other one, called the cottage home, houses younger girls and boys. It was in the second complex that the superintendent assaulted the girls.

The officials did not allow entry into the complex, saying that they were just following the orders of the authorities.

“The underprivileged children who come here are from various backgrounds, including those who were rescued from households, some working as child labourers, beggars who were brought by NGOs, orphans as well as children whose parents could not afford to pay for their upkeep,” said an employee of the welfare home, who did not want to be named. All children lodged here are below the age of 10.

A resident of the neighbourhood, on condition of anonymity, said: “I think the welfare home takes good care of the kids. The staff seems to be educated and trained. The children look very happy whenever I see them but what happens within the four walls of the compound is something I do not know.”