Gangrape at orphanage: HC raps Maha panel for failing to do duty

Upholding the conviction of three persons for gang-raping five mentally challenged girls in an orphanage run by them, the Bombay High Court has come down heavily on the state Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for failing to do its duty as a watchdog.

A division Bench of justices R V More and Anuja Prabhudessai upheld the conviction of Ramchandra Karanjule, Nanabhau Karanjule and Khandu Kasbe on charges of gang-raping and molesting five girls, including three minors, at an orphanage, run by private trust ‘Kalyani Mahila Bal Seva Sanstha’ at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai.

Ramchandra Karanjule and his wife were trustees of the orphanage.

In its 120-page judgement on March 11, the high court has come down heavily on the CWC for not doing its job properly and failing to keep a watch on the orphanage.

“The CWC is a primary body for addressing needs of children in need of care and protection. The CWC is required to play a role of watchdog at the district level and ensure that standards of care are maintained and the incidents of exploitation and abuse in all child care institutions are addressed,” the high court said.

“In the present case, facts clearly indicate that the CWC members have not acted in the best interest of the child,” the Bench said.