June 29th, 2010
Kerala Government on Tuesday said it would consider closing down the controversial 'Abhaya Kendram' centre at Agali in Palakkad district following complaints of sexual harassment from five girl inmates.
The home minister, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, said five cases, including attempt to rape, had been registered against two persons who run the centre of Kochi-based 'Raksha Villa'.
Police investigation are progressing and steps have been taken to arrest the culprits, he said in the Assembly, adding, the five girls, who made the complaint, were sent back home along with their parents.
The CPI (M) leader, Mr K.S. Saleeka, said 32 inmates were in the Kendra which was functioning "unauthorisedly" since 1993.
Among the inmates seven girls, including the complainers, were in the age-group of 15 to 25, she said.
She wanted strict regulations for the conduct of such centres and demanded closing down of the Kendram.
The harassment of the girls, all from Ernakulam district, came to light after they fled the centre on Friday last and were found at Olavakkode railway station the next day.
The girls were at the centre for the last two to three months to cure depression, it was stated.
Kerala Social Welfare Board Chairperson, Ms Girija Surendran, who visited the centre, is expected to submit a report to Chief Minister, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, after a probe.
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