Palamu DC Orders Strict Action in Shelter Home Abuse Case

Investigation Report Submitted, CWC Members to Be Dismissed

Key Points:

• Shelter home sealed, 28 girls shifted to safety.
• Police seize mobile phones for forensic analysis.
• State-level team conducting parallel investigation.

MEDININAGAR – Palamu DC Shashi Ranjan has ordered strict measures in the shelter home sexual abuse case following the submission of an investigation report.

A three-member inquiry team led by SDO Sulochana Meena investigated the allegations. Other team members included District Social Welfare Officer Neeta Chauhan and CO Amardeep Singh Balhotra. The team presented its findings to the DC on Monday evening, prompting immediate action. The DC recommended the dismissal of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members and disciplinary measures against the District Institutional Care Officer (DIOC).

The administration has terminated the contract of Vikas International, the organization managing the shelter home. The shelter home has been sealed, and 28 girls residing there have been relocated to Sakhi One-Stop Center. DC Ranjan stated that all possible steps are being taken to ensure justice.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified their investigation after registering an FIR. Station-in-Charge of Medininagar Women Police Station, Rupa Bakhla, is leading the inquiry. Mobile phones belonging to the accused shelter home operator Rampratap Gupta and counselor Priyanka have been seized and sent for forensic analysis. The police are scrutinizing call records and media shared through these devices to gather evidence.

Additionally, a state-level team is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. Authorities have assured that further actions will follow based on the findings.