SHILLONG: A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the assault of 12 girls in the name of prostitution by certain women pressure groups in Tura, West Garo Hills.
In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said that due to the sensitivity of the matter, an impartial inquiry to be headed by Dadenggre Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) Sibhi C. Sadhu will be carried out to ascertain the truth and submit the report within one month.
The registration of the involved NGOs will be revoked in view of the FIR. A·chik Mothers’ Association was dissolved due to mass resignation of most of its members, a press release e-mailed to newspaper offices by Bakshi said.
He said that the allegation that the act of vigilantism by the activists against the girls was as per his nod was baseless.
“The NGOs had been prevented for undertaking raids by me as soon it was brought to my notice that they were planning to raid places on suspicion of sex racket. They were told to always co-ordinate with police who would raid any place where such activities were suspected. When the information was brought to my notice that some girls have been ‘caught’ by these women NGOs my first reaction was that they have to be handed over to the police,” Bakshi said.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, his suggestion was disregarded by the NGOs who had claimed that they would counsel the girls with the permission of pastors.
“Since no FIRs had been lodged either by the women NGOs for prostitution nor by the parents for kidnapping or illegal confinement, the administration could not force any action and the entire counseling move of the NGOs was to be under the supervision of the Church and it was informed to me that the parents are coming and are in touch with the girls,” Bakshi said.
According to Bakshi, it was repeatedly made to appear that the girls were under proper care and they were given counseling for a few days before handing them over to their parents.
“From our side as we received allegations that the girls could be minors so we sent the District Child Protection Unit officers on May 8. The Child Welfare Committee was informed and they all paid a visit on Friday to meet the girls. On Sunday, the girls were supposed to be handed over to their parents. The women NGOs have got neither any permission nor were given any funds or any authority for any illegal detention or worse of all physical assault,” Bakshi said.
The official said that counseling was being monitored by frequent visits of media and no complaints or physical abuse was reported. There was no job offer or offer of wages on the part of the district administration to the girls.
“Till May 8, there were no complaints or FIRs. All events unfolded on May 8 and we have taken prompt action. I have clarified my stand also to the Meghalaya State Commission for Women and the Mothers’ Union,” Bakshi said.