PUDUCHERRY: The local unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday urged the administration to hand over the minor girls’ prostitution case to the CBI for proper investigation.
In a statement, CPM secretary V Perumal said a few persons were arrested on charges of luring more than 10 minor girls by offering them money and pushing them into prostitution.
Stating that the investigation was progressing at a slow pace, Perumal charged that efforts were also being made to shield some of the senior government and police officials who might be involved in the case. Hence, the case should be handed over to the CBI.
This would then ensure a free and fair investigation and bring the real culprits to book.
The CPM secretary also said that incidence of sexual harassment of women and minor girls were on the rise. He added that the victims feared to report these incidents and this was due to the fear of social stigma.
Meanwhile, the culprits are taking advantage of the poor financial condition of minor girls to lure them into flesh trade, Perumal charged.
It may be recalled that the CB-CID arrested five persons - Pushpa, Rahman Khan, Gayathri, Manickam, Arogya Mary - following a complaint by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
The five accused were booked under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012, and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956.