‘Unnatural sex’ charge against two shelter home boys

RANCHI: The Child Welfare Committee (Ranchi) on Tuesday lodged a complaint with Pandra Outpost against two juveniles of Bal Ashray, a boy’s shelter home in Itki, following several reports of alleged unnatural sexual behaviour by them. CWC officials said they managed to identify the two minors during a counselling session and the duo will be shifted to an observation home under police custody.
CWC officials said several inmates of Bal Ashray had complained against two boys in November last. Taking cognisance to the complaint, the survivors were moved to shelter homes of their home districts.
Ranchi CWC chairperson Rupa Kumari said, “The accusations surfaced during one of our counselling sessions three months ago, after which we transferred the victims and started counselling of these two juvenile. Their behaviour is so compulsive that they often try to engage in unnatural sexual practices with other children even after regular counselling. Given the sensitive nature of the case, we are moving cautiously to handle it.”
She said that they will be closely following the case filed against the juveniles in Pandra outpost and keep counselling them from time to time.
“The boys are teenagers and their habits have been fuelled by watching videos and graphics, as admitted by them during counselling sessions. Unfortunately, they have never shown signs of improvement despite several rounds of counselling,” Rupa added.
Officer in-charge of Panda police outpost Alok Bhengra said that cases have been filed under Section 4 and 6 of POCSO Act and Section 377 of IPC.
Superintendent of Bal Ashray, Smita Gupta, refused to comment much. “Police are doing their work. The children will be removed from the shelter home soon.”