Bhubaneswar: The All Odisha Orthopedically Handicapped Welfare Association, a city-based training centre for the physically challenged persons at Palaspalli area here has landed in a controversy after a complaint alleging sexual harassment of inmates and operation of high profile sex racket at the centre has been lodged with the police.
The shocking incident came to light after a video clip containing the immoral activities went viral on social media.
The complainant, a former woman official of the centre alleged that general secretary of the association - Suresh Kumar Behera is the prime accused who allegedly runs the racket.
She said that not only the common man but also government officers visit the centre for their sexual appeasement. While releasing a video clip, the complainant explained the modus operandi of the alleged flesh trade.
As per the allegation, women who are imported from outside charge Rs 2500 from the customer during the day and Rs 5000 for the night. The secretary of the association used to hire customers to operate the business, she alleged.
Sometimes, the Divyang inmates are forced to have sexual relations with the government officers, she said.
"Young women were engaged in the entertainment of the Babus who would sanction funds for the association. What is more pathetic is that the inmates have been used in such immoral act. I, being an official of the institute, has also fallen prey to the sexual harassment", the complainant alleged.
Another ex-official of the centre, on condition of anonymity, said "Suresh Behera forced the physically challenged girls in the entertainment of government officers. In return, they are paid Rs 1000 or Rs 200. Behera claimed that girls are happy for fetching money as they can't do any normal work."
The prime accused involved in the illegal act, Suresh Behera is absconding since the matter came to fore.
On the other hand, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Sulochana Das took suo-motu cognizance of the media reports regarding the alleged flesh trade at the training centre and assured strict action against the accused.
"No complaint has yet been filed with the commission in this connection. It is a matter of shame. The Commission has taken serious note of the matter and will investigate it. We will visit the spot tomorrow and speak to the inmates to extract information. Anyone found guilty will be punished as per law," Das said.
The video which has gone viral on social media will also be examined to establish the authenticity, she added.