Stripped, Tortured, Photographed: Girls Allege Abuse At Indore Orphanage

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, around 21 children at an orphanage have reported severe abuse by the staff, according to the police. The disturbing details came to light during a surprise inspection by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) last week. The children revealed that the staff would subject them to torture for minor mistakes, including hanging them upside down, branding them with hot irons, and taking photos after stripping them. They were also forced to inhale smoke from burning red chillies.

Swift Response to Protect Vulnerable Children

As a response, an FIR (First Information Report) has been filed against five employees of the orphanage, and an investigation is underway. Shockingly, a four-year-old child was reportedly locked in a bathroom and denied food for two to three days simply because he soiled his pants. The FIR highlighted that the orphanage, operated by the Vatsalyapuram Jain Trust, was not registered under the Juvenile Justice Act. This trust runs orphanages in various locations, including Bengaluru, Surat, Jodhpur, and Kolkata.

The complaint leading to the case was lodged by the Child Welfare Committee. Consequently, the orphanage was promptly sealed, and the children were relocated to government facilities. Amrendra Singh, the Additional Commissioner of Police in Indore, stated that the investigation is actively looking into the troubling allegations of abuse. The police team has submitted pictures documenting the injuries suffered by the children along with their formal complaint.

It is noteworthy that the children residing at the orphanage hail from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. The gravity of the situation prompted immediate action, emphasising the need to safeguard the well-being of these vulnerable youngsters. The case not only sheds light on the specific instance of abuse but also raises broader concerns about the lack of registration under the Juvenile Justice Act, a regulatory framework designed to protect the rights and interests of children in such facilities.

In the pursuit of justice, authorities are diligently probing the allegations, aiming to ensure the safety and security of these children who have already faced unthinkable hardships. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper oversight and adherence to regulatory measures in institutions responsible for the care of vulnerable individuals.