Senior official arrested over abuse charge

Superintendent Ram Sahay Meena of a children’s home in Lajpat Nagar has been arrested on Tuesday after girl inmates of the facility levelled charges of molestation against him.

“The superintendent of children’s home in Lajpat Nagar, Ram Sahay Meena, was arrested on a complaint received through a Delhi government official on Tuesday evening,” said a senior police officer.

The superintendent was sacked after the girls complained that he had allegedly molested them. The issue had come to the fore after Delhi women and child welfare minister Sandeep Kumar visited the home and met the girl inmates on June 3.

After consulting the child welfare committee, the minister had asked it to lodge a complaint against the superintendent under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The minister had also ordered termination of two officials, including Meena, on the complaints of child abuse.

A woman welfare officer, who was also allegedly involved along with the superintendent in misbehaving with girls, was also terminated from service.

The minister was apprised during his visit that the agitated children had protested against misbehaviour after which he had directed the women staff to talk to them. It was reported to the minister that the superintendent had allegedly taken minor girls to an isolated room and tried to physically abuse them.