Shocking abuse of minors

A shocking case of systematic sexual abuse of minor girls in a Dibrugarh orphage has once again highlighted how deeply this mece is striking roots in the State. Established in 2010, the Smile Children Home housed orphans and child labourers rescued from the streets. But within the confines of its walls, a succession of minor girls were reportedly abused by the superintendent, with the female supervisor a willing accomplice. The lid over the sordid affair was blown off when several victimised inmates rrated their ordeal to a visiting member of the Juvenile Justice Board. The member promptly lodged a complaint and the Dibrugarh police arrested the depraved duo. What is coming through is the impunity with which the two NGO officials took advantage of such vulnerable children, who hardly had anyone to speak or fight on their behalf. It has been learnt that the two officials were receiving assistance from the Assam government at the rate of Rs 25 for sheltering and feeding each inmate. There are now further reports of people close to the arrested duo trying to pressurise the inmates to withdraw their complaint. The police must prevent any such attempt while the media and local organisations need to be vigilant. But the State government has to introspect how to keep its money from falling into the hands of such evildoers masquerading as do-gooders.