State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) Chairperson Sandhyabati Pradhan on Monday visited Jharsuguda and conducted an inquiry into the sexual harassment of a minor boy by the Faith Outreach organisation founder John Bridge.
Earlier, Bridge was arrested and forwarded to court by the Jharsuguda police in connection with the case.
Pradhan interacted with the organisation’s inmates about the case in the presence of the Jharsuguda Collector, SP and officials of the District Child Welfare Committee. The Chairperson directed the district administration not to permit any organisation to run hostels. However, as the hostel and school of Faith Outreach organisation is sealed now, the students could not be cross examined by the Chairperson.
Earlier the Odisha Chief Secretary had directed the Collector and SP to inquire into the matter following a request from the New Zealand High Commission to the Indian Embassy there. The Collector and SP also sent their inquiry report separately to the State Government.
The Child Welfare Commission urged the district administration to handle the issue carefully.