In a startling turn of events, Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru, became the centre of attention as an illegal orphanage was unearthed in Sampigehalli by Priyank Kanoongo, the chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), and his team during an inspection on March 15. The discovery, which has sent shockwaves across the region, sheds light on the dark realities faced by vulnerable children.
The revelation came to light when Priyank Kanoongo took to his official social media platform to share the distressing findings, accompanied by footage capturing the grim conditions within the orphanage. The inspection revealed the presence of at least twenty young girls, who were being kept in appalling conditions characterised by total isolation. Shockingly, these children were deprived of the basic right to education, as they were not permitted to attend school.
आज कर्नाटक के बंगलुरु में एक अवैध यतीमख़ाने का निरीक्षण करने के दौरान चौकाने वाली जानकारी सामने आयी है।
– यहाँ 20 लड़कियाँ थीं जिनमें से अनाथ बच्चियाँ भी हैं।
– बच्चियों को स्कूल नहीं भेजा जाता है,पूरे बाल गृह में भी खिड़की या रोशनदान नहीं है,लड़कियों को एकदम क़ैद कर के रखा गया… pic.twitter.com/fPKLhW4W57— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (मोदी का परिवार) (@KanoongoPriyank) March 15, 2024
Furthermore, the orphanage, shrouded in secrecy, lacked windows or skylights, further exacerbating the girls’ confinement behind its four walls. Disturbingly, some of the children, who had previously attended school, ceased their education upon arrival at the facility. During interactions with authorities, the girls disclosed harrowing details, alleging that Salma, the woman in charge of the establishment, orchestrated relationships for them in Kuwait. Preliminary investigations suggest that such arrangements might be part of a larger network facilitating human trafficking under the guise of marriage, a phenomenon already documented in South India.
Tensions escalated during the investigation when Salma and her supervisor, Shameer, called upon their associates, triggering a potential confrontation. Despite the intervention of law enforcement, including the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), attempts to present the young girls for assessment were met with resistance from thugs associated with the orphanage. In a brazen display of defiance, one of the perpetrators attempted to incite a crowd through a mosque announcement, only to be subdued by police intervention.
Priyank Kanoongo added, “We have arrived at the police station on the police’s recommendation and with consideration for the security of the women officers. Hoodlums are waiting for us outside the Sampigahalli police station in Bangalore North-East, where we are currently present. The police have declined to file a First Information Report. Appeasement has caused the Karnataka government to submit to the crooks.”
In the face of adversity, Priyank Kanoongo condemned the attempts to obstruct justice, emphasising the need to prioritise the safety and well-being of the children. However, he lamented the reluctance of local authorities to take decisive action, citing concerns of appeasement towards criminal elements. Despite these challenges, Kanoongo remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice, directing law enforcement to initiate proceedings against those complicit in the exploitation of vulnerable minors.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the response of Bengaluru City Police, who acknowledged the distressing developments and pledged to coordinate with relevant authorities for swift action. Their proactive stance, coupled with the determination of NCPCR officials, signals a concerted effort to combat the scourge of child exploitation and trafficking in the region.
Bengaluru City police replied to the post and wrote, “We have informed to concerned police officers for necessary action. In case of distress/emergency situation, dial 112.” It also tagged Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North East, Sampigehalli Police and Sampigehalli BSP.
We have informed to concerned police officers for necessary action.@DCPNEBCP @acpsampigehalli @sampigehallips In case of distress/ emergency situation, dial #Namma112
— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) March 15, 2024
As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Bengaluru, awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga of human rights violations and the quest for justice for the innocent victims ensnared in its wake.
