Delhi Commission for Women on Saturday night conducted a surprise inspection of the night shelter situated near Bangla Sahib Gurdwara and spent the entire night therein. Major security lapses were discovered in the night shelter following which a notice to Delhi Police and DUSIB has been issued by DCW.
“Despite a 6-year-old girl having been raped recently in this very night shelter, no steps have been taken to protect the women and girls here who are living in extremely dangerous surroundings. It is almost as if we are waiting for another rape to happen here. The Commission has issued notices and will work towards improving the condition of the shelter” said Swati Maliwal, Chairperson, DCW. Both DUSIB and Delhi Police have been asked to submit replies by May 26, 2016.
Officials in DCW stated that during the visit of the Commission, many minor girls complained of molestation and stalking by a local goon who resides in the night shelter. “The girls and their families were unable to muster courage to raise their voice against the abuse due to the fear of a backlash from the accused and his family. Finally, after getting the support of the Commission, 2 girls aged 10 years and 5 years have revealed offences to the police team called on the spot by the Commission. Two FIRs regarding the same have been registered on Sunday by the Parliament Street police station,” said a DCW official.
The Commission has issued a notice to DUSIB on the severe security lapses. “There was no separation between male, female and family night shelters. Many men and boys were intoxicated and their presence in the shelter was not even marked in a register. The entry and exit gates were unmanned. There were no security arrangements when it was evident that anti-social elements were roaming at large within the night shelter,” an official stated.