Muzaffarpur case: Patna HC raps CBI

The Patna High Court on Thursday rapped the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for not presenting the Muzaffarpur shelter home investigation report on time.

"According to the earlier order, CBI was supposed to provide a status report to the court today. However, the CBI counsel had asked for an extension for filing the same. The court had denied giving them time and asked to present the report on next hearing, that is, today," Shama Sinha, advocate for petitioner Santosh Kumar, told ANI.

"The court today asked as to why the status report was not submitted before it. The court further questioned as to why it was not informed about the transfer of CBI SP JP Mishra," revealed Sinha.

Sinha further said that the High Court has also issued guidelines for media to not show or print anything related to the case in advance. She said, "Where investigation is being done? Or where it will be held next? Court said media should refrain from revealing details like this as it will benefit those accused in the case." The matter will now be heard on August 27.

"CBI has been asked to submit the status report on the given date. Also, CBI has been informed that no information should be leaked about their investigation. Only court will be informed about the investigation done. A responsible officer will be there to assist the court in the next hearing," Sinha said.

Few months ago, Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) had uncovered the Muzaffarpur shelter home case in Bihar, in which over 40 inmates have allegedly been sexually exploited. As many as 11 employees of the shelter home were arrested later, including prime accused Brajesh Thakur, and a further investigation is being carried by CBI.