11-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Sexually Assaulted at Satlok Ashram in Sonepat, Sevadar Arrested

Sonipat: A case of alleged sexual exploitation of an 11-year-old minor boy has come to light in Satlok Ashram located in Dhanana village of Sonipat district of Haryana. The police have arrested a person working as a servant in the ashram in the case. The accused has been identified as Sachin, resident of Kansadi village, Sonipat.

What is the whole matter?

According to the police, the family of the victim child is originally from Uttar Pradesh and had come to the ashram for service. The alleged incident is said to have taken place on September 23. After getting information about the incident, someone from the ashram itself called 112 and informed the police.

After this the matter reached the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Based on the complaint of CWC, a case was registered against the accused at Baroda police station in Sonipat on September 24.

How did the police protect the child?

According to Gohana DCP Jitendra Gehlawat, the CWC chairperson had told the police that an 11-year-old boy who had come to the ashram was allegedly subjected to inappropriate physical contact.

After receiving the information, the police team reached the ashram and took the child and his father under security. After this, the child along with his father was taken to the designated centre/hospital at Khanpur Kalan, where legal aid, counselling and necessary medical procedures were done.

What came up during counselling?

According to the police, during counselling, the child gave information related to the alleged incident. On the basis of this, the police registered an FIR against the accused under Section 74 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) and Section 10 of the POCSO Act.

After arresting the accused, he was produced in the court, from where he was sent to judicial custody.

What aspects are the police investigating now?

Police are investigating the circumstances of the alleged incident. The investigation is trying to find out when and where the incident took place and whether any other person was involved in it or not.

The police are also examining the child's statement and other available evidence. Further action in the matter will be taken on the basis of investigation.

Why is Satlok Ashram in discussion again?

The ashram located at Dhanana has been in the news before also. Ashram head Rampal returned to Dhanana Ashram after he got bail in April this year. He was sent to jail in a treason case related to Hisar's Satlok Ashram episode.

At present the police are investigating the case related to the minor and the accused is in judicial custody.