Ngo Officials Detained for Sexually Harassing Children

Times of India
March 1, 2012

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/NGO-officials-detained-for-sexually-harassing-children/articleshow/12091665.cms

BANGALORE: Two officials of a non-governmental organisation were detained by police for allegedly sexually harassing and brutally assaulting children at its shelter. Devanahalli Airport police station officers confirmed that John Charles, general manager, Church of Christ, an NGO located on Bellary Road in Chellaghatta, and board member, John Williams, were picked up for questioning.

They said a case with multiple charges, including sexual abuse and assault, will be booked against the duo after interrogation. On Wednesday evening, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members raided the home following a complaint lodged with them through Childline, a children's helpline, on Tuesday night by anonymous persons and rescued 42 children - 19 girls and 23 boys all between the age of 8 and 18.

Nina Nayak, chairperson, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), said girls in the home told counsellors they had been sexually abused. After the complaint from Childline, CWC first visited the home and realized the matter was grave before conducting the raid.

CWC members told TOI there were visible injury marks on the children's bodies. All the children will be relocated to different homes and will be produced before the CWC court. Two girls have been sent back to their parents. "We're moving the remaining girls to the APSA home nearby and the boys will be moved to the Don Bosco home. On Thursday, boys will be produced in the CWC Court No 1 and girls in CWC Court No 2 on Friday," said Meena Jain, chairman, CWC Court No 2.