Past inmates protest abuse at Arya

They hold rally, demand strong action against orphanage

Former employees and ex-inmates of Arya orphanage on Wednesday protested at Jantar Mantar against the rising cases of child abuse at the home over the last 15 years.

They allege that the management has been preventing
inmates from raising their voice against every form of abuse and torture meted out to the children.

“Every child and management member who has tried to report incidents of sexual and physical abuse earlier has been thrown out of the orphanage.

Even if the institute is running for several years, members do not have the right to exploit children on the pretext of giving them good education and opportunities,” said Dr Kishore, and ex-inmate of the orphanage and now working as a psychiatrist at Lady Hardinge Medical College.

Kishore alleged that a recent case of abuse of a class 6 student, which took place five days ago, is being silenced.

He said management does not allow the inmates to meet former students.

“They have even snatched away mobile phones of the residing staff and older children are not allowed to step out
of any of the orphanages,” Kishore  added.

Poor management

The group has formed a list of instances highlighting poor management of the orphanage.

Despite being asked by the Child Welfare Committee in 2006 and 2009, the orphanage has not registered itself under Juvenile Justice Act, 2006. Also, there is no transparency in the selection of management members.

Incidents cited

Cases of abuse highlighted by ex-students include a suicide by a class 11 student in 2002 due to psychological issues, death of a boy in 2005 who fell from one of the buildings, sexual abuse of a six-year-old in 2009, physical assault and abuse of many in 2011, alleged repeated sexual abuse and death of a girl in January, 2012, and death of a girl in March, 2012 in Arya Anathalaya in East of Kailash.

There have been regular complaints of sexual abuse by wardens and even management members, ex-inmates said.

The protesters demanded removal of the present management, criminal proceedings against members who have abused children and inquiries into Arya Anathalaya and sister organisations.