Karnataka group seeks action over alleged abuse at Kalaburagi women’s shelter
The Karnataka Ahinda Jana Sangha has sought the arrest of a shelter administrator and cancellation of the facility’s licence after alleging that a 29-year-old inmate was sexually harassed and assaulted. Police have registered a case, while the organisation has threatened protests if authorities do not act within a week.
The Karnataka Ahinda Jana Sangha has demanded the arrest of Ananthraj Choul, administrator of a government-funded shelter for women in distress in Kalaburagi, following allegations of sexual harassment and physical assault involving a 29-year-old inmate. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, the sangha’s State secretary, Jayashree Kattimani, said a case had been registered against Mr. Choul at the Women’s Police Station.
The alleged incident occurred at Shakti Sadana Shelter Home for Women on Syed Chincholi Road. Ms. Kattimani said the woman had sought refuge at the shelter after family disputes.
She alleged that on September 17, Mr. Choul summoned the inmate to his chamber at the Mahadevi Thai Old Age Home, which operates on the same campus, and subjected her to sexual harassment and physical assault. She further alleged that he threatened to kill the woman if she resisted his demands.
According to Ms. Kattimani, the victim reported the incident to the shelter’s counsellor and superintendent, but no action was taken. She also alleged that when a female security worker confronted Mr.
Choul on September 26, he verbally abused both women and expelled them from the shelter at night. The sangha subsequently provided them temporary accommodation. The organisation has called for the cancellation of the shelter’s licence and said Mr.
Choul should face immediate action. Ms. Kattimani alleged that he regularly used abusive language towards inmates and female staff, and criticised officials of the Department of Women and Child Development for failing to act despite being informed.
The sangha said it would join the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other organisations in protesting outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office if action was not initiated within a week. The allegations have not been adjudicated in court.
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