NEW DELHI: The superintendent of a government-run children’s home accused of sexually abusing minor inmates and filming the act was arrested on Thursday.
The children staying at the institute were previously rescued from trafficking, begging and labour rackets.
“The superintendent of the children’s home in Lajpat Nagar, Ram Sahay Meena, was arrested over a complaint filed by a Delhi government official last evening. Some girl inmates revealed that they were molested and raped by Meena. They were sent for medical examination and rape was confirmed in a few cases,” a senior police officer said.
The 42-year-old has been booked under Section 376(2)(b) of the IPC (taking advantage of official position and committing rape on a woman), police said. Meanwhile, Delhi Women and Child Development Minister Sandeep Kumar said that the government would step up its vigil at all children’s homes across the capital and would consider the installation of CCTV cameras.
After consulting the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the Minister had asked them to lodge a complaint against the superintendent under the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Minister had ordered the dismisal of Meena and a woman welfare officer, who was also allegedly involved in the case.
During his visit, Kumar was apprised that the agitated children had protested against misbehaviour after which he had directed the women staff to talk to them.
It was reported to the minister that the superintendent allegedly took minor girls to isolated rooms and physically abused them.