Name of scandal-hit NGO removed from Haryana committees

"Jaswanti Devi, Secretary, Bharat Vikas Sangh (NGO Rohtak) and any other NGO in which she is office bearer is black listed and her and the NGO's name is also removed from all committees/boards constituted by the government of Haryana," an official spokesman said here.

The action was taken by the Women and Child Department in the wake of Jaswanti Devi being booked under several sections of the IPC and put behind bars after allegations of sexual abuse and torture of inmates surfaced from the shelter home.

Apna Ghar had landed into controversy when a team of National Commission for Protection of Child Right (NCPCR) rescued nearly 120 people, including children and women, from its premises after carrying out a surprise raid on May 9.

A Special Investigation Team headed by ADGP (Law and Order) MS Mann was constituted and the shelter home was sealed on June 9.

The case, in which involvement of police officials has been alleged, was recommended to the CBI on June 15 to ensure a fair and impartial probe.

Seven people have so far been arrested in this matter.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also constituted a four-member committee of lawyers to inspect various shelters in the state, identifying cases of sexual abuse or torture.