Protest Against Sexual Abuse in Kanpur Shelter Home

AIPWA observed 25 June 2020 as Nationwide Outrage Day against the horrific incidents that have come to light in the Kanpur Child Protection Home matter. Reports have come in about sexual abuse of minor girls at the Home and also about the implication of BJP leaders in these crimes. The Kanpur local administration has confirmed the reports that 57 girls have tested positive for Corona, out of which 5 minor girls are pregnant.

AIPWA has raised this whole issue through the protest and outrage day observed on 25 June. The protest programs were held while strictly observing physical distancing and other Lockdown rules. A memorandum with demands was submitted to the concerned authorities at Lakhimpur Khiri. AIPWA has also appealed to the National Commission for Women to take cognizance of the Kanpur Shelter Home matter.

There has been a sharp increase in crimes against women under the Yogi regime. Yogi’s Cabinet Ministers are involved in these crimes against women and they have full protection from the government. In the Kanpur Shelter Home episode also, there are reports of BJP leaders’ implication in sexual harassment of minor girls. Therefore AIPWA demands a high level non-partisan probe into the matter so that the truth comes out and the guilty are punished.

If regular monitoring of Shelter Homes had been done in the presence of social workers and a white paper had been brought out, this appalling and shameful incident could have been avoided. If the perpetrators of the Devariya Shelter Home crimes had been tried and punished, the crimes would not have been repeated in the Kanpur Shelter Home.

The protests were held across India. And in Uttar Pradesh, protests were held in Lakhimpur, Lucknow, Sitapur, Banaras, Devariya, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Sonbhadra, Ghazipur and Ballia.

AIPWA has called upon the NCW to take cognizance and act in this matter. The following demands have been made by AIPWA:

• A high level and independent enquiry into the Kanpur Shelter Home matter and punishment for the guilty.
• Women and Child Development Minister should resign.
• Guarantee dignity, safety and health for young women and girls in Shelter Homes.
• Bring out a white paper on Shelter Homes.
• Ensure monitoring of Shelter Homes at regular intervals in the presence of social workers.