The authorities of the Mukkom Muslim Orphanage have conceded to certain “procedural” slips in the case of some children while they were being brought from other States to the orphanage. This, according to the orphanage committee office-bearers, was due to “lack of proper care and awareness of recent laws” regarding human trafficking.
“Child Welfare officials from Jharkhand and the State police authorities, who visited the orphanage, have pointed out negligence on our part while bringing students from other States,” said V. Muhammadmon Haji, vice president of the orphanage committee. “We have promised them to adhere to laws in future on similar occasions,” said Haji.
He maintained that the students from other States who pursue education at the orphanage school would continue to do so. “The authorities must decide on those who have been detained for lack of proper documents,” he said.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) S. Sreejith, nodal officer of State Anti Human Trafficking Cell, who reached the orphanage for inspection also pointed out that the orphanage authorities had “clearly violated” some procedures and formalities that they should have completed before bringing students from other States.
Mr. Sreejith said an inquiry would be conducted into the whereabouts of all the children admitted to the orphanage in recent years.
