Sushma Shah, Member-National Commission for Women (NCW) has raised serious questions on the functioning of Bethany Convent wherein a gang rape survivor is said to be enrolled.
Taking up the recent case of gang rape incident occurred in Pathankot-Hatia Express, Shah, who is preparing a detailed report about the incident after cross-examining the victim on February 19, said that there is something suspicious in the behaviour of people who are the care takers of the girl.
Though Shah did not deny the allegations made by the victim but has clearly stated that the preliminary investigation suggests that this case need to be investigated well linking all evidences. While addressing the media here on Tuesday, Shah said, “There are strong chances that the girl might has been raped but our first round investigation suggests that once careful scrutiny of Bethany Convent functioning that at present have 13 girls admitted must be done by the higher authorities before coming to any conclusion.”
Shah further added that she and her team while interacting with the victim were continuously interrupted for no reasons. “From the intentions of both hospital management where the girl is under observation including the nuns, it was clear that they did not want us to meet the girl. They constantly tried to interrupt us by using derogatory terms. The victim is absolutely fine and in a stable State of mind, where her statement can be recorded.”
“Absence of parents, guardians, frequent travelling from Punjab to Ranchi at a free cost, not being well-versed about the activities of the convent, interference of relatives, who brought the girl to Ranchi from Punjab, contradictory statements about the number of people present in the train bogie etc are a few points that need to be investigated well making it as the focal points of the investigation,” Shah added.
Shah, who is in Capital City for inspection along with her team, will be submitting the composite report to the NCW soon. Furthermore, elaborating here visit, Shah said that she was in the State Capital for inspecting Birsa Munda Jail status and the activities taken up there as part of rehabilitation course by the jail inmates. In addition, the team will be visiting two mental asylums to check its status and functioning.