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Mangalore: WC Chief says Victim Boys' Background 'Suspicious', Hints at Trafficking
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS/VM)
Mangalore, Aug 2: In a surprising statement, state Women's Commission chief C Manjula on Thursday August 2 said that background of two of the boys who were assaulted by HJV activists on last Saturday at Padil resort was 'suspicious'. She also hinted at involvement of girl trafficking racket.
Speaking to mediapersons at the circuit house, she said that she had spoken to two of the girl victims and their parents. The girls were not familiar with the two boys and had gone to the resort on the invitation of another girl, she said.
She said that the two girls had gone in their college uniforms, and were made to change to party clothes at the resort.
"Hence, though the two girls were innocent, the background of the boys, Gurudutt and Vijayakumar, should be investigated," she said, alleging that Gurudutt's mother was involved in trafficking in 2009.
"This practice of partying has spoilt the girls. I will send a policy proposal to the government seeking strong action against trafficking of girls. There is a big trafficking network in the state, and every year, around 200-300 girls go missing," she said.
She also added that the girls and their parents were upset about repeated TV footage of the incident, and demanded that channels should stop it immediately.
On Morning Mist Home Stay, she said that eight months ago locals had given an oral complaint to the police about illegal activities going on in there, but nothing was done. "Police inaction is the reason why this incident took place," she asserted.
On those who had carried out the attack, she said that 15 have been arrested and 12 more will be caught soon. She called for strong police action against them and said that they should be booked goonda act.
On counter questions from mediapersons, Manjula chose not to divulge into details on organizations like HJV and did not comment on the culprits, but instead blamed police for not taking action on the complaints against the home stay.
She further said that there was no point in blaming the government as it was the duty of local bodies and the police to take action when complaint was made about illegal activity in the resort.
On a question whether she will put pressure on the government to ban HJV if it is found guilty, she evaded direct answer and said that as investigation is on, she cannot judge and that further action will depend on the final report.
Manjula said she will be speaking to Mangalore University vice-chancellor and study the situation regarding students indulging in such activities.
She will visit the city next week again and hold talks with college managements on the issue and on reports that some of them had barred the students from sitting for exams, she informed, adding that she has already prepared a report on the issue and will be submit it to the home ministry.
Officials concerned have been instructed to probe the incident carefully and reports will be forwarded to the chief minister and the home minister in the meeting to be held in Mysore, she said.
Women's Commissioner member Maithali and others were present.
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