Protectors Have Turned Predators: Orissa HC Rejects Bail Plea Of 'Good News India' Chairman [Read Order]

This case depicts a grim picture where protectors have turned predators and committed child sexual abuse on the girl students in an unregistered institution in a very calculated and diabolical manner, said Justice SK Sahoo in his order rejecting their bail pleas.

The court, referring to the statements of most of the girl students staying in the Centre, observed that it indicates how the duo tortured and sexually abused helpless inmates for years together. Perhaps, moved by these sad narrations made by the students about the plight they faced at the centre, the judge started the order by observing thus:

"The protest of the victims who were subjected to sexual molestation, physical and mental torture, humiliation and harassment resounded within the four corners of the walls of the institution. By the time their plight was brought to the notice of the district administration, much water had flown under the bridge. The predatory mindset of the accused had destroyed their intelligence and conscience and they acted in an undignified manner burying their morality and under the garb of giving shelter to the poverty-stricken children, they intentionally caused harm to them physically, psychologically and sexually. The victims were left with such deep emotional trauma and scars in the inner world that it would be difficult to heal during the rest of their lives."

The court also observed that Faiz Rehman is a moneyed man and an influential person and there is every possibility of tampering with the evidence particularly when the victims are from poor families, if he is released on bail. Rejecting the bail pleas, the court added:

"The crime committed in the case against the victims is not acceptable in a civilized society. It has its far-reaching effect and affects the peaceful life of the society. The manner in which a number of poor girl students taking shelter in the Centre were sexually abused, physically and mentally tortured, harassed and humiliated for years together in the hands of licentious persons and threatened to be ousted from the Centre in case of their protest or disclosure before anybody, the nature and gravity of the accusation and prima facie material on record showing the involvement of the petitioners in the commission of offences, I am not inclined to release the petitioners on bail."

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