Autistic Brothers Allegedly Raped and Tortured at Dehradun Boarding School
Dehradun Boarding School Abuse Case: Autistic Brothers Raped and Tortured
A shocking incident has come to light in Dehradun, where two autistic brothers, aged 9 and 13, were allegedly raped, physically assaulted, and burnt with cigarettes by a staff member at a boarding school for special children.
Incident Details
The victims, hailing from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, were admitted to the boarding school in April by their mother. The alleged abuse took place soon after, and the incident was revealed when the mother visited them on Friday. The children broke down and narrated their ordeal to their mother and a friend at the friend’s office in Dehradun.
Accused Arrested
The accused, identified as Monu Pal, 29, from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested and sent to jail. A case was filed under BNS sections 64 (2) (rape) and 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), along with relevant sections of the Pocso Act.
Investigation and Probe
The police, with the help of translators from the child welfare committee (CWC) and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), spoke to the two brothers. The police also seized the DVR of CCTV cameras installed inside the boarding facility, which was opened three months ago in a four-room residential building.
School’s Unlicensed Operations
The chairperson of SCPCR, Geeta Khanna, revealed that the facility was being run by a woman without a permit. The school was being run by a trust registered in Delhi, and they didn’t inform the local administration about both the facilities. The owner stated that Pal was recruited on May 16 and had been committing crimes against the children since then.
Key Implications and Concerns
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and protection of children with special needs in institutions. The fact that the school was operating without a license and the accused was able to commit such heinous crimes for an extended period is deeply disturbing.
Future Developments
As the investigation continues, the police are trying to contact the parents of the other two children staying with the victims. The incident may lead to a wider probe into the regulation and monitoring of institutions for children with special needs.
