Delhi Ashram Director Booked for Molesting 17 Minors; Fake UN Plate Car Seized in Vasant Kunj Raid

In a deeply disturbing development, the director of a Vasant Kunj-based ashram in Delhi has been formally booked by local police on charges of allegedly molesting 17 minor students. The serious accusations came to light following a swift intervention by the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), which uncovered a horrifying pattern of abuse within the institution.

The accused, identified as Anil Kumar, now faces charges under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, underscoring the gravity of the alleged crimes against vulnerable minors.

This legal action follows a comprehensive operation where the DCW rescued 17 minor girls and one adult woman from the ashram, immediately moving them to a secure shelter home for their safety and well-being.

Adding another layer of intrigue and illegality to the case, DCW chief Swati Maliwal reported that a luxury Volvo car, prominently displaying a fake United Nations (UN) number plate, was discovered on the ashram premises during the rescue operation.

The vehicle was promptly seized by the Vasant Kunj police, raising questions about the director's potential involvement in other illicit activities.

Swati Maliwal condemned the ashram's operations, stating unequivocally that the institution was running illegally. She highlighted the distressing reports that the director had allegedly been subjecting the girls to harassment for several months, painting a grim picture of a sanctuary turned into a site of exploitation.

The DCW's proactive approach, including its helpline services, played a crucial role in bringing these heinous acts to light.

Police officials have confirmed the registration of the First Information Report (FIR) and have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. This includes examining the ashram's operational licenses, the circumstances under which the children were housed, and the full extent of the alleged abuse.

The seizure of the vehicle with the fake UN plate is also being investigated as a separate but connected line of inquiry, potentially revealing a broader network of illicit activities.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, drawing attention to the imperative need for stringent oversight of such institutions and robust mechanisms for child protection.

Authorities are expected to delve deeper into how the ashram managed to operate without proper authorization and for how long these alleged abuses persisted. The focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar incidents in the future.