In a shocking revelation, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPRI) Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo shed light on the appalling conditions discovered during a surprise inspection of an illegal orphanage in Sampigehalli, Bengaluru. The orphanage, allegedly operated by a woman named Salma, was found to be harboring nearly 20 girls in what can only be described as imprisonment.
Kanoongo’s post on the social media platform X exposed the grim truth behind the facade of care and protection. He expressed grave concerns over the absence of basic amenities such as schooling, proper ventilation, and freedom for the girls residing in the orphanage. Worse still, he revealed that some of these girls were being groomed for trafficking under the guise of marriage, with arrangements allegedly made for their marriages in Kuwait.
The NCPRI chief’s account of the inspection painted a disturbing picture of exploitation and manipulation, particularly targeting vulnerable young girls. He highlighted the resistance faced during attempts to present the girls before the Child Welfare Committee, with Salma and an accomplice resorting to intimidation tactics, including calling in goons to disrupt proceedings.
Despite the intervention of law enforcement, the situation escalated as the goons attempted to mobilize support from the local community through announcements from a nearby mosque. Kanoongo lamented the apparent reluctance of the Karnataka government to take decisive action, citing concerns of ‘appeasement’ towards criminals.
In response to the alarming revelations, the Bengaluru Police assured that necessary steps would be taken, urging citizens to reach out in case of emergencies. However, the failure to register a First Information Report (FIR) raised questions about the efficacy of law enforcement in addressing such grave violations of human rights.
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking within society, where vulnerable individuals, especially children, are susceptible to exploitation and abuse. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and proactive measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of every individual, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
