Probe demanded into sexual harassment at women’s shelter home in Kalaburagi

The Karnataka Ahinda Jana Sangha demanded the immediate arrest of Ananthraj Choul, administrator of a government-funded shelter home for women in distress, and the cancellation of the licence of the shelter home following allegations of sexual harassment and physical assault of a 29-year-old inmate.

Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on Saturday (October 3), Jayashree Kattimani, State secretary of the sangha, said a case has been registered against Mr. Choul at the Women’s Police Station over the incident at Shakti Sadana Shelter Home for Women on Syed Chincholi Road.

Ms. Kattimani urged the authorities to act swiftly against Mr. Choul, who manages both Shakti Sadana, funded by the Department of Women and Child Development, and the Mahadevi Thai Old Age Home, which operates on the same campus. She alleged that Mr. Choul routinely uses abusive language towards inmates and female staff members at the facility, pointing out the stark irony that those tasked with running the centre turned a blind eye and failed to raise their voice against his behaviour.

According to Ms. Kattimani, the victim had sought refuge at the shelter following family disputes. On September 17, Mr. Choul allegedly summoned the inmate to his chamber at the old age home, subjected her to sexual harassment and physical assault, and threatened to murder her if she resisted his demands. She added that despite the victim reporting the ordeal to the counsellor and the superintendent at the centre, no action was initiated.

Detailing further lapses, Ms. Kattimani stated that when a female security staff member confronted Mr. Choul on September 26 regarding the matter, he subjected both the victim and the staff member to verbal abuse before expelling them from the shelter home at night. The sangha finally stepped in to provide temporary shelter to the displaced women.

Expressing deep concern over the inaction of Department of Women and Child Development officials despite being briefed on the developments, Ms. Kattimani warned that if the authorities fail to cancel the institution’s license and initiate stern action against Mr. Choul within a week, the sangha, along with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other organisations, will launch a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.