MLA raises question of 36 missing children in assembly

Alleges complicity in Women and Child Welfare Dept as two times kids vanished minutes before raid

MLA raises question of 36 missing children in assembly

Alleges complicity in Women and Child Welfare Dept as two times kids vanished minutes before raid

Even a month-and-half after 36 children were found to have vanished from an ashram in Dapodi, authorities are clueless about their whereabouts. The matter was raised in the Assembly by Hadapsar MLA Mahadeo Babar, but the minister handling Women and Child Welfare portfolio could not come up with a satisfactory reply.

MiD DAY had reported on June 17, 2011, about the raid on the ashram
and the missing children

MiD DAY had first reported about the raid conducted by officers of the District Women and Child Development department and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on the illegally-run Niradhar Balsangopan Anath Ashram in Dapodi this year.

Babar said that those involved in illegal activities were getting away. He said twice the woman at the orphanage was able to hide the children minutes before the raid. "We think someone from the department concerned is hand-in-glove with the wrong doers," said Babar.u00a0

Babar said that Varsharani Gaikwad, women and child welfare minister, told the assembly that no children were found after the raid. She said the Bhosari police were investigating the matter. Sudhir Aspat, in-charge at the Dapodi police station, said: "We checked the place a few times but no children were found. We have even enquired with the residents in the vicinity, but no one knows about the children.

We also enquired at the nearby school to know if the children are studying there, but the authorities have said no." MLA Babar said: "We are going to look into this matter, as it is a serious issue. Considering it has happened twice that the children went missing just minutes before the raid, it needs serious attention."