Sashmita Ghosh sent to 7-day CID custody

A two member team from the Ministry of Women and Child Development Department, Delhi arrived at Jalpaiguri to probe the alleged Child trafficking and illegal adoption racket. The Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Jalpaiguri remanded Sashmita Ghosh, District Child Protection Officer, Jalpaiguri to 7 days

CID custody.

Jaswant Jain and Priyank Kanungo the two officials fromDelhi talking to media persons stated that they would gather information on the progress of the CID investigation; the steps taken by the district administration to keep a tab on Homes; whether unlicensed or illegal homes existed in the region.

"We will also conduct a survey on the number of children present in different homes and whether Juvenile Justice Act is being adhered to while running these homes. The close proximity of this region to the international borders with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China makes it highly vulnerable" stated a member of the team.

The two-member team will submit a report to the Ministry of Women and Child Development. On Tuesday, they visited the Specialised Adoption Agency Bimala Sishu Griha owned by accused Chandana Chakraborty.

Meanwhile Sashmita Ghosh, the suspended DCPO of Jalpaiguri was produced at the CJM Court in Japaiguri. While being led out from the Court, talking to media persons, Ghosh claimed that she has not done anything illegal.

"I just acted on orders of higher authorities. The higher-ups should also be questioned by the CID. I have given their names to the CID. Is it a crime to send children to Homes licensed by the Government? I have done nothing illegal" claimed Ghosh.

On Monday, CID arrested Sashmita Ghosh, in connection with the child trafficking andillegal adoption racket. She will be produced at the Chief

Judicial Magistrate Court, Jalpaiguri on Tuesday.

CID sleuths had been interrogating her for the past few days. On Monday evening, after a round of interrogation, she was arrested.

CID sources said they found evidence of gross negligence in discharge of duty, withholding important information and misuse of power

against Ghosh.