Shelter Home Sealed, FIR Registered Against Operator and Counselor

Key Points:

• Two girls accused 72-year-old shelter home operator of sexual abuse.

• Palamu administration sealed the shelter home and removed all residents.

• FIR registered; police confirmed counselor’s involvement in the case.

PALAMU – A shocking case of sexual abuse has been reported at a girls’ shelter home in Medininagar’s Sudna Panchvatinagar, Palamu. Operated by Vikas International, the shelter housed 28 girls, two of whom accused 72-year-old operator Rampratap Gupta of sexual exploitation.

Investigation and Arrests

Following complaints, a team from the district administration and police conducted an inquiry on Saturday. Officials questioned the girls, confirming the allegations against Gupta and identifying the involvement of a female counselor. Additional Superintendent of Police Rakesh Singh stated that evidence supported the claims of sexual abuse.

Both the operator and the counselor have been detained. FIRs will be filed against them, and legal proceedings are underway.

Shelter Home Sealed, Girls Relocated

Sub-Divisional Officer Sulochana Meena confirmed that the shelter home, located in a rented building, has been sealed. All residents have been relocated to a safer facility.

Complaints Revealed During Human Rights Visit

The case came to light during a visit by a human rights team led by Sandhya Singh. The girls disclosed incidents of abuse, revealing that Gupta took one girl to his nearby home twice during the Diwali and Chhath periods, where he allegedly assaulted her. Another girl reported Gupta attempted similar abuse.

Further investigations revealed coercion, with the girls stating they were pressured to satisfy officials to gain permission to leave the shelter. It was also uncovered that a female staff member had sent photos of the girls to an unidentified individual.

The authorities are continuing their inquiry into the case to ensure justice and prevent recurrence.