Shelter home inmates allege sexual harassment by owner, caretaker

Dhenkanal: Raising concerns on the safety of girl students at shelter homes, some inmates of a shelter home in Beltikiri village under Sadar police limits of Dhenkanal have accused the owner and caretaker of sexual harassing them.

The inmates of Dream Centre Shelter Home have also alleged that the accused harassed young boys as well."I have been subjected to sexual harassment by a person who had joined the shelter home in 2012," a girl inmate said.

Another inmate said "Seemanchal sir harasses all girls of the shelter home. He doesn't even spare young ones."

After getting information about the incident, members of Child Welfare Committee and Commission for Protection of Child Rights raided the shelter home today and later filed a complaint at the Sadar police station.

On the other hand, owner of the shelter home, Simanchal Nayak refuted the allegations and called it an act of revenge by the girls for stopping them from communicating with their lovers.

"They have levelled allegations against me as they were having affairs. Many a times I have seized love letters and mobile phones from the girls," Nayak said.

Child safety officer, Anuradha Biswal said "We will launch an investigation into the case following which action will be taken. If required, we will rehabilitate the children."