16-year-old girl found in Murugha Mutt during visit by officials, case filed

CHITRADURGA: Close on the heels of a four-and-a-half-year-old girl being found, another 16-year-old abandoned girl was found at the Murugha mutt here during a visit by Child Welfare Committee officials to the mutt residential school.

The two girls were being taken care at the mutt illegally, without bring it to the notice of the government authorities or the Child Protection Unit, violating the Juvenile Justice Act. A compliant has now been filed by the Chitradurga Child Protection Unit against mutt authorities.

Social activist Madhukumar lodged a complaint with the Children Welfare Committee, the SP office and district deputy commissioner’ office. Following this, a case was registered at the Chitradurga Rural police station.

Meanwhile, Parashuram of Odanadi, a non-profit organisation in Mysuru, has filed a case at the JJ Court in Chitradurga and deputy director of Child Protection Committee against Shivamurthaiah of the District Child Protection Committee and CWC officials.

“Why did the adoption procedure not take place for so long? Why did they not register the girl’s name for 16 years? The officials should collect all information from the organistaion. They should inquire abuot the children often and conduct health check ups. Nothing was done by the committee in 19 years”, he remarked.

A complaint has also been logded against Veena, who is the head of the Madilu adoption centre.

On the issue of building pressure on the Murugha mutt seer to step down from the peetha, former minister H Ekanthayya said he is likely to meet Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to discuss on handing over General Power of Attorney to SJM Vidyeepetha’s secretary and retired Justice S B Vastradmath and appointing Basavaprabhu Sri as in charge for the Muruga Mutt.