Allahabad: Nine staff members of a state-run juvenile home, where three minor girls were raped by a peon, were suspended by the district administration for alleged dereliction of duty.
"Recommendation for suspension of nine staff members posted at the juvenile home has been sent to the Uttar Pradesh Directorate for Women and Child Welfare," Chief Development Officer B Chandrakala, who is at present holding the additional charge of the District Magistrate, said.
The move comes a day after the shocking incident came to light prompting the administration to suspend Urmila Gupta, the superintendent of the juvenile home located in Shivkuti area, for "negligence".
The service of 50-year-old peon Vidyabhushan Ojha, who allegedly confessed to his crime during police interrogation, was also terminated.
"In order to prevent a shortage of staff following the action, government employees posted in other departments having a reputation for sincerity and sensitivity are being transferred to the juvenile home," District Probation Officer Ila Pant said.
Meanwhile, a group of lawyers today staged a demonstration outside the office of the SP (City) demanding intervention of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and "stern action" against the culprit as well as other officials whose lapse may have facilitated the crime.
The Allahabad High Court had yesterday taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and summoned the district magistrate and the SSP on April 11, besides asking the state government to file an affidavit with details of steps taken to put a check on such incidents and action taken against those found guilty of such crimes in the past.
PTI
