The criminal investigation department will take over the probe into the alleged sexual abuse of inmates at a children's home in Raigad district. This was announced by Home Minister R R Patil in the legislative council on Friday.
The development came after legislators in the upper house vociferously condemned the ongoing investigation and expressed apprehension that the Raigad superintendent of police could not be trusted to conduct a proper inquiry into the matter.
In May, allegations of sexual assault of children at a private shelter at Karjat over a period of 11 years emerged, leading to the arrest of its owner. Horrific tales like inmates being forced to eat dog vomit and excreta were reported. It was also reported that the local police had no idea about the shelter.
On Friday, BJP legislator Neelam Gorhe first raised the issue, alleging that crucial evidence on laptops had been destroyed at the Raigad police station. "The entire exercise of collecting evidence is being passed between the Pune and Raigad police. The incident occurred under the watch of SP Ankush Shinde. How can he be expected to do a proper investigation? The case must be investigated by a senior woman police officer with the CID,'' she demanded.
Peasants and Workers Party legislator Jayant Patil as well as Congress legislator Bhai Jagtap raised serious objections to Shinde's role in the inquiry. Patil initially said the Inspector General of the region should inquire into any discrepancies in the investigation.
Opposition leader Vinod Tawde demanded appointment of a special officer akin to a child abuse case in Lonavala and the matter fast-tracked. Following this, Patil said the case would be transferred to the CID.
The home minister also assured the house that state would not tolerate any incident of child abuse and would protect the right of orphans. Such issues will be dealt with sensitivity, leaving no scope for the guilty to escape punishment, he said.
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