The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday echoed with outrage over the incident of sexual assault and inhumane treatment of a minor girl at the Bal-Balika Ashram in Killar, Pangi (Bharmaur constituency).
Raising the issue, Bharmaur MLA Dr. Janak Raj demanded strict action not only against the accused, but also against the officials who failed to act promptly. He questioned how, despite widespread discussion about the incident in the area, the concerned authorities remained unaware.
Raj informed the House that he had personally lodged complaints with the Deputy Commissioner and the Resident Commissioner, but no immediate action was taken.
It was only after he approached the Chief Minister that the matter was pursued seriously. He added that following the registration of the FIR, two accused persons had been arrested.
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that keeping in view the sensitivity of the case, he had immediately directed the ADGP to act, which led to swift action.
The police contacted the victim in Kishtwar, after which an FIR was registered and both accused were arrested.
The Chief Minister assured the House that the culprits would not be spared under any circumstances and the government would ensure the strictest possible action.
Earlier, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil said the matter was extremely sensitive, the FIR had been registered, and stern action would be taken against the accused.