NHRC notice to Maharashtra government, DGP over sexual exploitation of girls at shelter home in Nashik district

“Prima facie it is apparent that the district authorities concerned have “failed” to conduct proper supervision at the shelter home, which is being run within their jurisdiction,” NHRC said in a statement.

“The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the State police chief over reports that many girls have alleged sexual exploitation at a children’s shelter home in Nashik district,” officials said on November 29.

“ Prima facie it is apparent that the district authorities concerned have “failed” to conduct proper supervision at the shelter home, which is being run within their jurisdiction,” it said in a statement.

“The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports that more girls have alleged sexual exploitation at the children’s shelter home in Nashik,” it said.

"Reportedly, the director of a private facility for children in Nashik was arrested by the police for allegedly subjecting a 14-year-old girl to rape a few days ago," the statement said.

“The Commission has observed that the content of the news report which if true, raises serious issue of violation of human rights. Accordingly, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within six weeks,” the statement said.

The report is expected to include the status of the FIR, by specifying penal offences involved in the case, progress and outcome of investigation, arrest of the accused, health status of the victim girls and monetary relief or rehabilitation if any, provided by the State authorities to the victims.