Social welfare dept is probing her confinement ‘as case of potential criminal negligence, unlawful detention’, Bastar collector said RAIPUR: A bizarre case of a foster family allegedly trying to “protect” a young woman from a suspected molester by locking her in a room since she was eight has come to light in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar after officials reached their home to rescue her from what had been her prison for two decades.The orphaned girl, now in her 20s, barely responds when her name is called, has severely impaired eyesight, and appears traumatised after years without exposure to sunlight, open air or social contact, said Sister Clarelit of Gharaunda Ashram at Korchuli near Jagdalpur.Bastar collector Harish S told TOI the social welfare dept is probing her forced confinement “as a case of potential criminal negligence, unlawful detention, and violation of human rights”.“Officials are questioning her family members and probing the circumstances that led to such prolonged confinement… We will initiate action once the report is filed,” he said.Sources in the department quoted the woman’s foster family as saying they feared she would be sexually assaulted by an unidentified young man in the neighbourhood who had allegedly been after her. They claimed he was a habitual offender who would have targeted her if he saw her outside.Medical findings indicate slim chances of her regaining full eyesight. “Good news is she is slowly learning to respond, & walk with support,” Sister Clarelit said.About the AuthorRashmi DroliaRashmi is a Special Correspondent with The Times of India in Chhattisgarh. She covers Politics, Left Wing Extremism, Crime and Human Rights among other areas of news value.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos“Never Going With RJD Again” Nitish Kumar’s Sharp Swipe At RJD Bloc In AssemblyPM Modi Welcomes President Putin With Warm Hug Ahead Of India-Russia SummitHugs, Handshakes & High Diplomacy: Modi-Putin Bond Defines India-Russia SummitShashi Tharoor Says Strengthening Russia Ties Won’t Affect Relations With US, China‘Light Of My Life’ Swaraj Kaushal Passes Away At 73; Daughter Bansuri Pays Heartfelt TributePM Modi Breaks Protocol, Receives Vladimir Putin With A Hug, Shares Car In Big India-Russia MomentPutin Visit To Boost India-Russia Trade To New Highs, Says WTC ChairmanPiyush Goyal Hails Russia As India’s Trusted Friend, Urges Removal Of Trade BarriersIndia And Russia Boost Military Ties As Rajnath Singh Highlights Strategic Tech PartnershipAfghanistan FM Muttaqi Defends India Ties, Slams Pakistan Over Deoband Row And Shifting Accusations123PhotostoriesNutrition fact of the day: How much protein do I need to consume in a day?6 types of winter Halwas from the bylanes of Purani DilliWhat Déjà Vu really means in spirituality; some interpretations will leave you shocked5 workouts proven to boost heart health and longevityNature’s rainbow feathered wonders: 5 colourful birds that paint the sky as they fly5 love quotes from Jane Austen that feel like a warm hug on a winter evening5 foods you should not cook in an iron kadhaiThe Spiritual Meaning of Angel Numbers You Keep SeeingRekha and Kajol to Aishwarya Rai: When Bollywood magazine covers went too far, and made historyCould it be cholesterol? When walking feels harder than it should123Hot PicksIndigo Flight DelayPutin India VisitWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingStephen Curry WifeNBA Trade RumorsNHL Match TodayMike TysonNHL Trade RumorCardi BTravis KelceStephen CurryJeffery SimmonsJayden Daniels
RAIPUR: A bizarre case of a foster family allegedly trying to “protect” a young woman from a suspected molester by locking her in a room since she was eight has come to light in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar after officials reached their home to rescue her from what had been her prison for two decades.The orphaned girl, now in her 20s, barely responds when her name is called, has severely impaired eyesight, and appears traumatised after years without exposure to sunlight, open air or social contact, said Sister Clarelit of Gharaunda Ashram at Korchuli near Jagdalpur.Bastar collector Harish S told TOI the social welfare dept is probing her forced confinement “as a case of potential criminal negligence, unlawful detention, and violation of human rights”.“Officials are questioning her family members and probing the circumstances that led to such prolonged confinement… We will initiate action once the report is filed,” he said.Sources in the department quoted the woman’s foster family as saying they feared she would be sexually assaulted by an unidentified young man in the neighbourhood who had allegedly been after her. They claimed he was a habitual offender who would have targeted her if he saw her outside.Medical findings indicate slim chances of her regaining full eyesight. “Good news is she is slowly learning to respond, & walk with support,” Sister Clarelit said.