A girls’ shelter home in Rajasthan’s Churu is at the centre of serious allegations of sexual exploitation after a minor girl, residing at the facility two years ago, filed a complaint with the District Collector of Jhunjhunu naming six individuals including the former director of the shelter home and the deputy director of the child rights department. The DC then forwarded her complaint to the women’s police station in Churu and a case has been registered against the shelter that was shut down about 1.5 years ago.
The victim, a resident of Jhunjhunu, alleged that she was sexually abused during her stay at the shelter which was also a site of liquor parties. She claimed that during these gatherings, she was forced to serve alcohol to the guests who subjected her to inappropriate behaviour and teasing.
In her letter, the 17-year-old victim said that there was a double bed in the upper room of the shelter home where officials partied till late at night. Bhanwari Devi and Kishan Verma, who worked at the facility, used to send her to serve alcohol where the then director of the shelter, Rajesh Agarwal, Deputy Director of Child Rights Department, Naresh Barothia, and an individual named Sandeep used to tease her.
Along with her, several other girls were also sent to serve alcohol and faced similar abuse. When she informed about the incidents to Bhanwari Devi and Rukaiya, they threatened her.
Following the victim’s complaint, a case of molestation has been registered against Rajesh Agarwal, Naresh Barothia, Sandeep, Rukaiya, Bhanwari Devi, and Kishan. Police officer Balwant Singh is currently investigating the case.
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