The superintendent of a shelter home for HIV-infected children in Odisha’s Kalahandi district was arrested on Monday for allegedly sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl, who had been tested positive for HIV.
Bhawanipatna police station’s Inspector In-Charge Satya Nanda confirmed that the superintendent, Saroj Das, of the shelter home ‘Prayash’, was arrested after a complaint was lodged by the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Post this, the shelter home has been sealed and all nine inmates, including five girls, have been shifted to another place in Bhawanipatna. An investigation is underway for the said crime.
The girl’s mother has accused the superintendent of sexually abusing her daughter and also other inmates of the shelter home. She alleged that Das had committed the crime with the help of a few women employees of the shelter home.
The girl had been staying in the shelter home since August 2016, but the mother took her child back in March 2019, stating that she can take care of her. She later complained after coming to know about the alleged sexual assault.
A FIR has been registered basis the statement of the girl and her mother.
The shelter home’s superintendent, has till now, denied the allegation. Investigation is still underway.
The same incident was also discussed in the Odisha assembly with the opposition criticizing the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government and asked for the resignation of the Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.