Patna High Court to monitor CBI probe into Bihar shelter home sexual abuse
Patna, Aug 26 (IBNS): The Patna High Court on Monday decided to monitor the CBI investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of 34 girls at a shelter home in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district.
According to media reports, the court ordered a speedy trial in the case and gave the CBI two weeks time to prepare a report.
The incident came to light in April following an audit of the shelter home by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, which said many girls had complained of sexual abuse.
The court's decision came in response to the Bihar Government's appeal to hold an HC-monitored CBI inquiry and conduct speedy trials in a special court.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar last month had asked the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and the DGP to hand over the case to the central agency.
Kumar had said in a statement, "A very shameful incident has occurred in the Muzaffarpur shelter home. State police are conducting an investigation into the matter. Government is committed for an impartial probe."
The leader of Opposition and RJD lawmaker Tejashwi Yadav had alleged that Brajesh Thakur, the patron of an NGO, which ran the shelter home, was associated with the Chief Minister's campaign team in Muzaffarpur during the last Lok Sabha elections.
Till now, the police have arrested 11 persons in the case, including Brajesh Kumar, the prime accused, who is the owner of NGO Seva Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti that ran the shelter home.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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