New Delhi: In a disturbing incident in Chhattisgarh, CRPF jawans allegedly molested schoolgirls just after they were tied Rakhi by the girls for protecting them from terrorists. Local authorities have ordered a probe to investigate the allegations.
The alleged incident took place on July 31, at a state-run residential school in Dantewada district during a cultural programme held ahead of Raksha Bandhan, according to PTI.
The authorities, as well as Chhatisgarh police, have launched a probe into the matter.
Nearly 500 schoolgirls had participated in the event which was to be telecast on the local news channels as well. They tied Rakhi to the CRPF personnel but were later allegedly assaulted.
The girls informed the hostel warden about the incident who then lodged a complaint with the police on August 1. The warden said that three girls were searched by the security personnel on the pretext of frisking which should not be done with kids, according to other media reports.
The programme was organised by CRPF troopers deployed to counter Left-Wing Extremism in the area. The troops have been organising such events at Palnar for the last nine years.
The police interrogated the girls in presence of women officials as well as warden. The girls said they were physically searched by the men in uniform while returning from the toilet.
According to allegations, one security men physically searched them while another kept watching the act.
CCTV footage of the hostel premises is being analysed for investigation. The district collector said that CRPF is also conducting an investigation on their level.
“We are in constant touch with the CRPF, which is also investigating the matter at its level, and trying our best to identify the accused, so that the harshest punishment can be meted out to them,” Dantewada Collector Saurabh Kumar said.
Raksha Bandhan, or simply Rakhi is a Hindu festival, celebrated in many parts of the Indian subcontinent, notably India and Nepal. Raksha bandhan means "bond of protection".
The festival, celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters, is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar month of Shravana, which typically falls in Gregorian calendar month of August.