Major security lapses discovered in city's night shelter: DCW

Major security lapses were discovered in the night shelter situated near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara during a surprise inspection conducted by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on the night of 21st May 2016. DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal and members Promila Gupta and Sarika Chaudhary spent the entire night therein.

DCW has issued a notice to Delhi Police and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) regarding the same, said the Commission in a statement.

During the visit of the Commission, many minor girls complained of molestation and stalking by a local goon who resides in the Night Shelter. “The girls and their families were unable to muster courage to raise their voice against the abuse due to the fear of a backlash from the accused and his family. Finally, after getting the support of the Commission, 2 girls aged 10 years and 5 years have revealed offences to the Police Team called on the spot by DCW. 2 FIRs regarding the same have been registered today by the Parliament Street police station,” said Maliwal.

An email was also received by the Commission from a third person alleging rape of a girl recently in the same night shelter by the same accused. The same was forwarded to the police station. However, the victim is untraceable, said DCW.

Maliwal explained, “One of the purposes of the visit was to also enquire into this specific case. On the basis of the visit and the facts that have been revealed, the DCW has issued a notice to the Parliament Street police station regarding this case. In the notice, the Commission has asked the Police to submit an enquiry report into the allegations made in the email and the present whereabouts of the missing girl.”

“We have also sought reply from the PS on the steps they will take to protect the 2 girls who have reported the abuse last night. The details of steps being taken by Police to check anti-social and criminal activities in the Night Shelter were also sought,” she added.

Simultaneously, a detailed notice has been issued to DUSIB on the severe security lapses and other issues observed. Maliwal said, “It was noticed that there was no separation between male, female and family night shelters. Many men and boys were intoxicated and their presence in the shelter was not even marked in a register. The entry and exit gates were unmanned. There were no security arrangements when it was evident that anti-social elements were roaming at large within the Night Shelter.”

“Despite a 6 year old girl having been raped recently in this very night shelter, no steps have been taken to protect the women and girls here who are living in extremely dangerous surroundings. It is almost as if we are waiting for another rape to happen here,” Chairperson said.  

Both DUSIB and Delhi Police have been asked to submit replies by 26th May 2016.