New Delhi : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Friday recommended an in-depth security review of juvenile homes here after it confirmed incidents of drug abuse, sexual assault and violence in one such home.
“The investigations of the NHRC have confirmed the incidents of drug abuse, sexual assault and violence with surgical blades among the inmates of the Seva Kutir juvenile home in Mukherjee Nagar here,” a NHRC statement said.
It added a private agency responsible for the juvenile home failed to stop entry of “contraband substances and surgical blades”.
“In the light of the findings by its investigation team about the condition of the home, the commission has recommended that the Delhi police commissioner should order for a security review of all the juvenile homes in the national capital,” the NHRC said.
It also asked the private agency to ensure deployment of security personnel as per the guidelines recommended by the Delhi police.
The NHRC took up the issue suo motu and registered a case based on media reports that there were brawls, beatings and incidents of drug abuse and sexual assault among the inmates.
While directing for a surprise inspection of the home by its investigation division, the commission has also called for reports from the secretary, department of social welfare Dec 19, 2013.
The NHRC investigation team made observations which said some juveniles used to take drugs and managed to sneak in some tablets/chewing tobacco, indicating a lapse in the screening of visitors or the juveniles while entering the home.
The team has recommended suggestions for an overall improvement in the facilities and atmosphere inside the juvenile homes, and has asked the chief secretary, government of Delhi to take immediate action and submit report within six weeks.