Three minors raped in orphanage

A class IV employee of a government-run orphanage in Allahabad was arrested on Thursday for allegedly raping at least three minor girls of the facility.

Fifty-two-year-old Vidya Bhusan Ojha was arrested following a complaint by the warden of the orphanage Urmila Gupta. Incidentally, even Gupta was suspended.

The offence came to light after one of the victims, who was later adopted by a couple, confided in her parents about Gupta’s misdeed. The couple then met the warden and a complaint was lodged against Ojha. “At least three girls between eight and ten years of age were raped by Ojha,” police said.

“There could be many other girls, who may also have been raped by Ojha...we are trying to talk to the girls of the orphanage,” they said.

Consequences

The orphanage houses girls below ten years only. Medical examination has confirmed rape of three girls. Orphanage authorities suspect that Ojha might have molested some mentally challenged girls as well.  Ojha, from the Siwan district of Bihar, has confessed to raping three girls. It was revealed in the interrogation that he had been molesting the girls for the past few months and threatened them of dire consequences if they reveal the incidents. Ojha's services have been terminated, officials said.

They added that the warden flouted rules as well, by not staying inside the campus. “She has been placed under suspension and inquiry has been ordered,” they said.