In the recent case of alleged involvement of a nun of Nirmal Hriday – a shelter home for women in distress -- in infant selling case, member of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Priyank Kanoongo during an inspection of centre on Tuesday said that continuous follow-up of this case in being done by the Commission.
“After conducting a formal inspection of a shelter home at Guwahati, Assam, now Nirmal Hriday – Ranchi is on the radar of NCPCR. All documents are being verified,” said Kanoongo. Condemning the incident of infant selling here, Kanoongo admitted that the condition of shelter homes at most places is not up to the mark.
The NCPCR member, who reached Ranchi on Tuesday for investigation stated that the anomalies are clearly perceptible in this matter and the detailed report of this case covering all aspects has been asked from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and the district administration.
Further, Kanoongo stated, “Whosoever is guilty in the child sale case will not be spared in any situation. The Commission is serious on this matter. Investigation is going on in a speedy way across the country. If during the investigation, child sale case is revealed from any other State as well, no matter how powerful the institution is, it will not be spared.”
Meanwhile, he expressed satisfaction over the district administration’s effort, CWC role and police investigation in this case. “As per my knowledge, the district administration is taking all mandatory steps to resolve the issue. CWC members have been asked to submit the report copy at the earliest. It will be reviewed and further action will be taken as per the report,” he said.
Chairperson of Jharkhand State Commission of Protection Child Rights (JSCPCR), Arti Kujur said that after the matter was brought into the notice, four investigating teams have been constituted on the recommendation of Chief Minister Raghubar Das. The JSCPCR Chairperson had recently investigated the condition of a shelter home in Khunti district. Kujur too accepted that many irregularities were noticed at ‘Balgriha’ there during the investigation.
“As per the State government’s order, we are preparing the report. The commission has received complains about the functioning of Bethel mission. In any circumstance, any institution violating child rights will not be tolerated. On or before August 10, JSCPCR will submit a detailed report on the status of children living in observation homes, shelter homes in Jharkhand,” added Kujur who accompanied Kanoongo during the inspection of Nirmay Hriday.