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‘I Stayed Silent for 30 Years’: French PM’s Daughter Hélène Perlant Alleges Boarding School Abuse

April 24, 2025, 12:48 pm

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has spoken out in great distress after his older daughter announced she was one of the victims of abuse at a Roman Catholic boarding school, Notre Dame de Bétharram, in the Pyrenees. Hélène Perlant, aged 53, revealed in an emotional interview that she was assaulted by a priest at the school when she was 14 years old.

“I remained silent for 30 years. Other than this, I’ve never mentioned it to anyone,” Hélène Perlant told weekly Paris Match. Her allegations come amid a wider national reckoning in France over decades of abuse at the school, which has implicated members of the clergy and raised serious questions about state complicity and oversight during Bayrou’s political career.

Testimony of Hélène Perlant and the Years of Silence

During her interview, Perlant recounted a terrifying ordeal. “The priest grabbed me by the hair, dragged me across the floor for several metres, then punched and kicked me all over, especially in the stomach,” she said. “I wet myself and stayed like that all night, damp and rolled up in a ball in my sleeping bag.”

She further stated that psychological control and fear prevented her from speaking out. “Bétharram was organised like a sect or a totalitarian regime exercising psychological pressure on pupils and teachers, so they stayed silent.”

Even after the painful ordeal, Hélène Perlant stood up for her father, justifying that she never informed him of the abuse. “I place him on the same level as all the parents. The more involved you are, the less you see and the less you understand,” she said.

Bayrou’s Reaction and Political Fallout on Hélène Perlant

Bayrou was visibly shaken by the revelations. He reacted when he visited a prison in south-eastern France. “That we didn’t know and the fact that such abuses took place are almost unbearable for me,” he said. He denied he had any earlier knowledge of abuse at the school, even though he had served as France’s education minister through the 1990s when the first complaints started emerging.

The Prime Minister labelled his daughter’s confession as “stabbed him to the heart as a father” and claimed not to know anything about the supposed incidents, which allegedly existed between the 1950s and as recent as 2010.

A School with a Dark History

Notre Dame de Bétharram, which was redesignated Le Beau Rameau in 2009, has long been suspected. In south-west France, near the city of Pau—Bayrou’s political base and the municipality he has represented as mayor since 2014—the school taught three of Bayrou’s six children. His wife taught religious studies at the school.

In the 1990s, several former pupils made abuse allegations, some of which involved sexual assault. Even though they, however, no investigation by the French education ministry in 1996 found that “Notre-Dame de Bétharram is not a school where pupils are brutalised.” This came after a former headteacher who was accused of raping a 10-year-old pupil was released without charge.

However, the scandal resurfaced in 2023 when a former student created a Facebook group for victims, leading to nearly 200 complaints. Around half of those included claims of sexual violence, including rape by two priests. The scale of abuse and the apparent cover-up have triggered a new national outcry.

Parliamentary Inquiry and Mounting Pressure

Responding to the deepening controversy, a parliamentary investigation has been announced, and Bayrou will appear before it next month. Political stakes are high. The Prime Minister leads a tenuous minority government that risks losing power if left-wing and extreme right parties ally in a vote of no-confidence.

The news has reopened sores and subjected Bayrou’s political record to renewed scrutiny. Critics suggest that, as a previous education minister and veteran MP in the constituency in which the school is based, he should have moved more decisively when warnings of abuse had first surfaced.

‘Teacher Of The Year’: Admits To Sexually Abusing 11 And 12-Year-Olds

February 8, 2025, 8:35 am

A 35-year-old California educator, once celebrated as “Teacher of the Year,” has admitted to sexually abusing two of her pre-teen students. Jacqueline Ma, who received the prestigious award in San Diego County in 2022, engaged in sexual relationships with the children when they were just 11 and 12 years old, according to reports. She is now expected to serve 30 years in prison.

The case came to light in 2023 when the parents of a then-13-year-old boy suspected an inappropriate relationship with Ma, CBS 8 reported. Following the complaint, Ma was initially arrested but released on bail. However, she was rearrested the very next day on additional felony charges, including sexual misconduct and child pornography.

Breach of Trust

The fact that Ma, a respected figure in the community, abused her position of trust made the case particularly egregious. Deputy District Attorney Drew Hart emphasized the significance of this breach, stating, “This was very significant to us, not just because she won an award, but because of who she was in the community.” He added that the plea deal sends a clear message: “When you leverage a position of trust, when you leverage good faith with parents in the community and you do this to their children, there will be significant penalties to pay.”

Guilty Plea and Victim Impact

Ma pleaded guilty to four counts, including lewd acts on a child and possession of child pornography. News reports describe her entering the plea with visible distress. The emotional toll on the victims is profound. One victim’s letter to Ma poignantly stated, “Sometimes I think you don’t understand that I am a kid still and this is my only real relationship.” Authorities revealed that Ma used her position of authority to coerce the boy into these harmful relationships.

Avoiding Further Trauma

Hart explained that the plea deal spared the victims the trauma of testifying in court. “Obviously she’s taken responsibility and not gone to trial. The consequences of trial would have been more significant. With this resolution, we’re sparing the victims from having to come in and testify in front of a jury,” he said.

Doctor Indicted for Rape Following Sexual Abuse Allegations from Over 200 Patients

January 18, 2025, 3:38 am

A grand jury in Massachusetts has indicted a doctor accused of sexually assaulting more than 200 former patients over the span of more than a decade. Dr. Derrick Todd is accused of performing unnecessary pelvic floor therapy, breast examinations, testicular examinations, and other unwarranted procedures on patients dating back to 2010.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that Todd was indicted for “two counts of rape alleging the sexual assault of two women.” Todd pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Friday. The alleged assaults occurred in December 2022 and June 2023, and the district attorney’s office stated that additional investigations into Todd’s conduct are ongoing.

The criminal case against Todd is expected to expand, said William Thompson, an attorney with the Boston law firm Lubin & Meyer, which represents more than 180 of the accusers.

“It’s just the beginning of the criminal case against Dr. Todd, but it does help validate the civil claims that Lubin & Meyer is pursuing on behalf of so many of his former patients,” Thompson said. “Fundamentally, it’s about a doctor abusing his position. And taking advantage of patients who put their trust in him for his sexual gratification.”

Thompson also mentioned that the civil case against Todd is currently in the discovery phase.

The Associated Press left a telephone message with Anthony Abeln, an attorney who has represented Todd in the civil case, and Ingrid Martin, a criminal lawyer who has represented Todd.

Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, has been accused in a lawsuit filed by several other defendants, including the hospital, for knowing about the abuse and failing to stop it. In April 2023, Brigham and Women’s received anonymous complaints about Todd and launched an investigation, eventually firing him in July. Todd reached a voluntary agreement with the Board of Registration in Medicine to stop practising medicine in the United States.

Todd’s former workplaces have distanced themselves from him since the allegations surfaced. His accusers range in age from teenagers to women in their 60s.

Paula Bliss, an attorney for victims and partner with Justice Law Collaborative, a Massachusetts legal advocacy group, called the indictment “a resounding moment of validation for the patients he sexually assaulted and the brave survivors who came forward with the truth of this so-called medical professional’s deplorable conduct.”

Kerala Athlete Alleges Sexual Abuse by 60+, Including Coaches; 6 Arrested: Report

January 11, 2025, 10:08 am

The Kerala Police on Friday announced the filing of four FIRs and the arrest of six individuals for allegedly raping a teenage girl over two years in Pathanamthitta. The case reportedly involves over 60 suspects.

According to police, the victim, who recently turned 18, alleged she had been repeatedly assaulted since she was 16. The issue came to light during a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) counselling session, following concerns raised by her teachers about significant changes in her behavior, as reported by PTI.

Coaches and Classmates Among Suspects

The victim, identified as a sportsperson, disclosed that the abuse occurred at multiple locations, including sports camps in Pathanamthitta. The alleged perpetrators include coaches, classmates, and local residents, according to a report by The Times of India.

Pathanamthitta Child Welfare Committee Chairman Rajeev N stated that the girl revealed details of the abuse during a school counselling session. The counsellors contacted the CWC, leading to the registration of a police case.

The victim reportedly saved the phone numbers of around 40 alleged abusers on her father’s mobile phone, as she did not own a personal device, police said.

Verification and Investigation

The CWC facilitated additional counselling with a psychologist to verify the credibility of the accusations. Once the severity and scope of the case were established, the police were informed.

Police confirmed that five individuals were arrested under two FIRs, while a sixth person, already in jail for a separate case, was also linked to the incident.

The cases have been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code across various police stations in Pathanamthitta.

Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all those involved.

Father Travels From Kuwait to India, Kills People Who Sexually Abused His Daughter

December 13, 2024, 8:33 am

A 35-year-old migrant worker, Anjaneya Prasad, who recently returned from Kuwait, allegedly murdered his physically challenged relative, P Anjaneyulu (59), in a fit of rage. Prasad accused Anjaneyulu of sexually abusing his minor daughter.

Murder Following Alleged Sexual Abuse

The incident occurred in Obulavaripalli village in Annamayya district on the night of December 6-7. Rajampet sub-divisional police officer, N Sudhakar, confirmed that Prasad bludgeoned Anjaneyulu to death with an iron rod while the victim was sleeping outside his home.

Confession in Video Message

Following the murder, Prasad returned to Kuwait and released a video message confessing to the crime. In the video, he claimed that the police had failed to take action on his daughter’s complaint of sexual abuse, prompting him to resort to violence. Police have registered a murder case against Prasad and are actively searching for his arrest.

Anjaneya and his wife, Chandrakala, reside in Kuwait, while their 12-year-old daughter initially lived with her grandparents. Subsequently, the child moved in with Chandrakala’s sister, Lakshmi, and her husband.During her stay at Lakshmi’s house, the girl was allegedly molested by Lakshmi’s father-in-law. When she reported the incident to her aunt, she was allegedly instructed to remain silent.

Frustration with Police Inaction

Anjaneya and his wife were later informed about the incident and filed a complaint with the local police. However, Anjaneya claimed that instead of taking action against the accused, the police attempted to mediate the issue. The alleged molester was reportedly released with only a warning.

Feeling helpless and frustrated with the lack of justice for his daughter, Anjaneya took matters into his own hands, tragically resulting in the murder of his relative.

Shocking: Baba Balaknath Abuses, Misbehaves with College Student in Moving Car | WATCH

October 20, 2024, 5:07 pm

A disturbing video from Rajasthan has surfaced online, reportedly showing Baba Balaknath, a prominent spiritual leader, engaging in inappropriate conduct with a college student inside a moving vehicle.

The footage, shared by the “Rajasthan Tak” account on X, originates from Sikar, Rajasthan, and has sparked widespread outrage. People are expressing shock, as spiritual figures like Baba Balaknath are expected to uphold and promote moral values.

According to reports, the college student first met Baba Balaknath a year ago at the Kshetrapal Temple in Khedi Dantulja. The Baba allegedly claimed he could resolve her issues using tantra and mantra practices. However, instead of offering help, he is accused of abusing her.

Watch:

Sikar: प्रसाद कहकर पेड़ा खिलाया, लड़की हुई बेहोश, ऐसे शिक्षा देते हैं Baba Balaknath, ये कैसा खेल ?#Sikar #sikarviralvideo #bababalaknath #crimescene #RajasthanNews pic.twitter.com/zBAm0c6pL0

— Rajasthan Tak (@Rajasthan_Tak) October 19, 2024

After the video went viral, authorities filed an FIR against Baba Balaknath. In her statement, the student accused him of rape, escalating the severity of the case. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leading many to question the trust placed in religious leaders.

Social Media Reactions

Social media platforms have erupted with reactions to the viral video, with users expressing anger and disbelief. Many criticized the actions of the so-called spiritual leader, who betrayed the community’s trust. One user commented, “Parents need to be cautious about leaving their children with such people. Wearing saintly clothes doesn’t make anyone a saint.” Another expressed frustration, saying, “Hypocrites like him have ruined Sanatan Dharma and should face strict action.”

The widespread reaction highlights public frustration with individuals who exploit their spiritual authority. As one person noted, “These hypocrites not only harm society but also damage religious sentiments. They must face the harshest punishment.”

‘Paedophilia In Islam’ An Heated Argument Between Zakir Naik And A Girl | Videos Goes Viral

October 7, 2024, 4:24 pm

A viral video featuring fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik engaged in a heated argument with a young girl during a public event in Karachi has stirred controversy on social media. The girl, identifying herself as a Pashtun, questioned the prevalence of societal issues such as paedophilia, adultery, and drug addiction in Islamic communities, leading to a tense exchange.

Girl’s Question on Societal Ills Sparks Heated Exchange

During the event, the girl raised concerns about the existence of paedophilia and other moral failings in her community, despite the region’s strict adherence to religious teachings. She further questioned why Islamic scholars (ulemas) do not openly address these pressing issues.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Zakir Naik, the most famous Muslim scholar in South Asia, gaslights a Pashtun girl when she questions the collapse of society caused by religious extremism.

pic.twitter.com/zxEoPeTeZE

— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) October 6, 2024

Zakir Naik, known for his controversial views and strict interpretation of Islamic texts, responded by making light of her concerns. He initially joked that men should take after women by not leaving their homes unnecessarily. When the girl tried to expand on her point, he repeatedly interrupted her, insisting that she stay silent.

Zakir Naik Denies Accusations, Calls for Apology

In response to the girl’s allegations, Naik denied the existence of paedophilia within the Muslim community, stating, “There is no mention of paedophilia in the Quran or any Islamic scripture.” He went on to accuse the girl of defaming Islam, asserting that “a Muslim can never commit sexual abuse against children.” As the girl attempted to further explain her perspective, Naik cut her off once again, demanding that she apologise for her statements.

Backlash on Social Media

The video of the interaction quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism on social media. Many users accused Naik of gaslighting the young woman and trivialising her valid concerns. His dismissive attitude was viewed as an attempt to deflect from discussing the serious issues that plague society.

Who is Zakir Naik?

Zakir Naik, originally from Mumbai, India, has been a fugitive since 2017. He faces multiple charges in India, including terror funding, money laundering, and hate speech. His organisation, the Islamic Research Foundation, has been banned by the Indian government, and his passport has been revoked. Naik has since been living in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Despite his legal troubles, Naik continues to deliver lectures and sermons, drawing both support and criticism. His detractors argue that his teachings promote an extreme and intolerant interpretation of Islam, contributing to the radicalisation of young Muslims.

India’s Response to Zakir Naik’s Reception in Pakistan

India has condemned Pakistan for hosting Zakir Naik, expressing disappointment at the warm reception he received during his visit to Karachi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, described Pakistan’s actions as “condemnable but not surprising.” He remarked that it was unsurprising for an Indian fugitive to receive such a welcome in Pakistan, though it remains a disappointing development.

As the controversy around Zakir Naik continues, many are left questioning the larger implications of his influence and the societal issues raised during the public event in Karachi.

High-Ranking Delhi Govt Official and Wife Charged with Rape of Minor

September 18, 2024, 5:35 pm

A high-profile case involving the alleged rape of a minor girl by a former Delhi government official and his wife took a significant step forward on Wednesday. The Tis Hazari court took cognizance of the charge sheet filed against Premoday Khakha, the former Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department, and his wife Seema Rani.

The couple has been in custody since August following their arrest in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of the minor girl. The victim, a friend of Khakha’s daughter, had moved in with the family after losing her father. According to police, Khakha repeatedly raped the minor over several months, resulting in her pregnancy. The victim claims that Khakha’s wife also threatened and coerced her into having an abortion.

Also read: J&K elections 2024: ‘Their Workers Came Inside, Where Polling Is Taking Place’: BJP Alleges Kishtwar Polling Disrupted By NCP, PDP

The court has scheduled a hearing on December 5 for the scrutiny of documents related to the case. Delhi police are also expected to file a supplementary charge sheet against Khakha’s son and daughter, who have been granted protection from arrest by the Supreme Court.

MSCPCR Chief Condemns Badlapur School For Covering Up Sexual Abuse Case

August 21, 2024, 4:29 pm

The chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) criticised the handling of a sexual abuse case at a Badlapur school on Wednesday, stating that the school administration tried to cover up the incident instead of assisting the victims’ families in filing a police complaint. MSCPCR chief Susieben Shah also emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

“They (child protection unit) took them to the police to file the complaint. When I asked the school management about the case, they tried to cover it up. I even asked them why POCSO provisions should not be invoked against the school management,” said Shah.

What the case is about

The incident in question involves two four-year-old girls who were allegedly sexually assaulted by Akshay Shinde, a 23-year-old male cleaner employed by the school. The assaults reportedly took place on separate days within the first 10 days of Shinde’s employment, but the school authorities failed to notice.

Although the school management was informed of the first assault on August 12, they did not report the incident to the police. Instead, they downplayed the parents’ concerns, suggesting that the child might have been assaulted by an outsider.

The parents of the young victims were allegedly made to wait for 11 hours at the Badlapur police station before their complaints were taken seriously. Frustrated by the lack of action from both the school and the police, the parents, along with local residents, staged protests. The demonstration, which began at the school, quickly intensified as protestors moved to block the railway tracks at Badlapur station, disrupting the central railway suburban network for several hours.

MSCPCR chief Susieben Shah remarked that the chaotic situation in Badlapur could have been avoided if the school management had promptly reported the incident to the police.

“The issue arises from the parents being made to wait for 11 hours.”

Despite being informed of the alleged sexual assault, the principal “chose not to contact the police”. “Instead, she went to the school management,” Shah said, referring to the incident as a “terrible state of affairs”.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a “Maharashtra bandh” on August 24 to protest the alleged sexual assault. Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the opposition in the state Assembly, stated that all MVA allies will take part in the bandh on August 24.

Badlapur Sexual Abuse: CM Orders Strict Action as Protests Disrupt Local Trains

August 20, 2024, 3:43 pm

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday directed the police to charge the accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case with attempt to rape, along with other sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Shinde also ordered the appointment of a special public prosecutor and instructed that the case be fast-tracked to ensure justice.

The incident involves the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten students, aged three and four, at a school in Badlapur, Thane district, by a male attendant. The accused, identified as 23-year-old Akshay Shinde, was arrested last week. He was employed on a contractual basis at the school since August 1, 2024.

What Happened in Badlapur?

The issue came to light after one of the victims complained of pain in her private parts and revealed to her parents that the attendant had touched her inappropriately while she was using the toilet. When the parents of the second girl were informed, they also noticed that their daughter had become fearful of attending school. Both girls were examined by a local doctor, who confirmed that they had been sexually assaulted.

Angered by the incident, parents and local citizens stormed the school on Tuesday, vandalizing the premises. Protesters also blocked trains at Badlapur railway station from 8:30 am, disrupting local services. Some agitators hurled stones during the demonstration, but the police soon brought the situation under control.

All about the case

The accused is a 23-year-old male cleaning staff member, employed on a contractual basis starting August 1.
The assaults took place when the girls went to use the toilet. The school had not appointed any female staff for the girls’ toilets, leaving them vulnerable.
The school management suspended the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant following the incident.

Government Response and Proposed Measures

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that Shinde has warned of legal action against the school management if found negligent or complicit. He has instructed the Thane Police Commissioner to handle the case with urgency. Additionally, Shinde ordered a review to ensure that Sakhi Savitri committees—designed to support and protect students—are active in schools.

Among the proposed safety measures, Shinde suggested installing complaint boxes in every school and increasing scrutiny of staff who regularly interact with students.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to probe the case thoroughly.

Protests at Badlapur railway station have caused significant disruptions, and the authorities continue efforts to bring the situation under control while addressing the demands for justice.

Sexual Assault In Lajpat Nagar, Woman Claims Man Grabbed Her Breasts ‘I Felt Dirty..’

August 8, 2024, 9:33 am

A recent Reddit post has sparked significant concern and discussion after a woman alleged she was sexually assaulted while shopping in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar with her husband. The incident reportedly occurred in broad daylight, leaving the woman feeling violated and distressed.

The woman recounted the ordeal in a detailed post, describing how a man groped her and then walked away as if nothing had happened. “I was in Lajpat Nagar with my husband. Both of us were standing and looking in different directions, searching for a particular store. This tall man in a dhoti and kurta walked between us, grabbed my breast, and walked off. I realized what had happened and hit him from behind, though not too hard because I initially thought it might have been a mistake,” she wrote.

HAVE A LOOK AT THE POST:

Man held my boob in Lajpath nagar
byu/Top-Math-0007 indelhi

The woman’s initial reaction was to doubt herself, but the man’s reaction confirmed his guilt. “He turned around and acted like he knew nothing, but you could tell he did it intentionally and tried to hide it with a straight face. I told my husband what happened; he shouted at the man and ran after him, but I asked him to let it go and come back. Despite this, I felt dirty, cried, and for some reason, blamed my husband too,” she added.

Her post posed a heart-wrenching question: “What should I have done? What should my husband have done? Why do I feel like this? How can someone grab my breast in public and walk off?”

The post has garnered numerous reactions from Reddit users, with many offering advice and sharing similar experiences. One user wrote, “This is so scary… and you may still be feeling awful. Just know that man is a terrible human being. Try shouting and making a public commotion if something like this happens again. It’s tough to be in your senses during this, but the man would be caught if people intervene.”

Another suggested, “Hit harder next time and start shouting; the crowd will do the rest. Sorry you had to go through this.”

A third user commented, “Public should thrash people like that and teach them a lesson then and there only.” Another person added, “Such perverts groping women leave us with lifelong trauma. You’re strong, you did nothing wrong, your spouse did nothing wrong. Feeling helpless and restless is a part of it; you will heal at your own pace. Always remember the times you were safe and that it’s a one-off thing.”

This incident is reminiscent of another case a few months ago when a teenager shared on Reddit how he was sexually assaulted while traveling in the Delhi Metro. “I just got assaulted in the Delhi metro right now at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station. I am a 16-year-old boy, and I was traveling alone in the metro,” the teen wrote, tagging Delhi Police on X (formerly Twitter).

These incidents highlight the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and assault in public spaces, sparking a call for better safety measures and public awareness to protect individuals from such traumatic experiences.

Horrific Sexual Violence In Sudan Exposed By Human Rights Watch Report

July 30, 2024, 6:24 pm

Devastating Impact of Conflict on Khartoum Residents

In a harrowing account of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, a major report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed widespread sexual violence against women and girls in the capital, Khartoum, perpetrated by the warring factions, particularly the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, which began in April 2023, has left vast areas of the city in ruins and has resulted in the suffering of countless civilians.

Shocking Reports of Rape and Forced Marriages

The HRW report, titled “Khartoum is Not Safe for Women,” documents numerous cases of rape, gang rape, forced marriages, and sexual slavery. One woman was raped along with her four daughters while her husband and sons were forced to watch. Another woman, pregnant from rape, was thrown out of her home by her husband and separated from her children. The report highlights the terror experienced by women and girls in residential areas, with many feeling that nowhere is safe.

Widespread Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations has described the situation in Sudan as “one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory.” Over 6 million Sudanese are internally displaced, 1.5 million have sought safety abroad, and nearly 26 million people – more than half of the population – are at risk of famine. The conflict has not only devastated Khartoum but has also spread to other parts of the country, including the western Darfur region.

Healthcare System Strained by Violence

Due to the difficulty in accessing Khartoum and speaking directly to survivors, HRW interviewed 42 healthcare providers, social workers, and other responders between September 2023 and February 2024. These interviews revealed the immense physical, emotional, and social scars left on survivors.

Healthcare workers reported treating survivors with severe injuries from the violence, including vaginal bleeding, bruises, and other physical trauma. In at least four cases, these injuries proved fatal.

A Call for Accountability and Support

Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at HRW, emphasized the urgent need for accountability and support for the victims. “The Rapid Support Forces have raped, gang raped, and forced into marriage countless women and girls in residential areas in Sudan’s capital,” she said. “The armed group has terrorized women and girls, and both warring parties have blocked them from getting aid and support services, compounding the harm they face and leaving them to feel that nowhere is safe.”

CNN is seeking comment from both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on the allegations contained in the HRW report. As the world watches, the international community must respond to the dire situation in Sudan, ensuring that those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable and that survivors receive the necessary support and care.

Who is ‘Kuwari Begum’ Shikha Metra? Youtuber Promoting Sexual Abuse Of Infants

June 13, 2024, 2:07 pm

Ghaziabad Police have initiated an inquiry into YouTuber Shikha Metray, also known as Kuwari Begum, following allegations of sharing explicit content and promoting methods of sexually abusing infants.

Who is Kuwari Begum?

Kuwari Begum, known as Shikha Metray, is a gamer from Ghaziabad who runs a YouTube channel under the same name. On her channel, she streams her gameplay and interacts with viewers about various topics, including relationships, gaming, and societal issues. She also produces videos covering a wide array of subjects.

What is the complaint against Shikha Metra?

An FIR was lodged on June 12, based on a complaint by activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who highlighted Metray’s problematic content on X (formerly Twitter) and demanded police action against the YouTuber.

Bhardwaj’s complaint specifically referenced a video titled ‘She will say no. Let her’ on Metray’s YouTube channel, accusing her of suggesting that men should disregard women’s consent and endorsing sexually aggressive behavior towards women and children. Bhardwaj alleged that Metray’s content leads to the misguidance of young boys.

After discovering the channel, Bhardwaj shared clips from Metray’s videos on X, urging authorities to remove the content and take action against the self-proclaimed gamer for promoting sexual offenses against children.

The videos quickly sparked outrage on social media, resulting in a significant backlash against Kuwari Begum.

Further investigation by social media users revealed that Metray is a graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi and is involved in a clothing and apparel business.

Amidst mounting criticism, Metray appears to have either deleted or deactivated her social media accounts. At present, her YouTube and Instagram profiles are inaccessible.

The police investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Dalit Journalist Assaulted For Publishing Reports On Sexual Abuse of Minor Boy

May 19, 2024, 12:23 pm

A Dalit journalist in Jaisalmer was reportedly assaulted for his coverage of the sexual assault of a minor boy. Heera Lal Meghwal was attacked allegedly at the behest of Hari Singh Charan, an accused from an OBC community.

Jaisalmer police stated that Heera Lal had been writing about the sexual assault case involving a minor boy for about four months, leading to the arrest of Hari Singh Charan under the POCSO Act.

Bhawani Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Jaisalmer, told The Indian Express, “The accused is under arrest and investigation is underway. On the night of May 12, five people attacked Heera Lal and brutally beat him up. We have arrested one accused while four others are absconding. We are continuously raiding their different hiding places and hope to arrest them soon.”

Hari Singh Charan, the accused, is already involved in multiple cases, including those under the NDPS Act and for physical assault.

‘Delhi’s Law system has worsened over past year’: Saurabh Bharadwaj on RK Puram murder

June 18, 2023, 1:51 pm

The health minister and AAP politician Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on Sunday after two women were shot in Delhi’s RK Puram. He said that the law and order situation in Delhi has gotten worse over the previous 12 months.

Two women were killed earlier today at RK Puram in Delhi by unknown assailants. They were taken to a hospital, but they passed away from their wounds. An investigation into the matter was opened by the police and is presently ongoing.Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “Over the past year, Delhi’s law system has worsened. Murders are happening in Tihar jail, by barging into people’s houses. Molestation has become common now. Two women were shot dead in RK Puram. Today, no woman can step out of the house wearing jewellery. Snatchings are being done blatantly. Delhi’s law system had never been this bad. This is because the priorities of the governor are wrong. Women wrestlers and six witnesses alleged Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual abuse. But the Police did not register an FIR. The Police are working like a political setup”.

“The LG should tell how many police stations he has inspected over the past year. He keeps inspecting the work done by the Delhi Government and takes credit for the work done by the government. Why does he not inspect stations at night? The Delhi Police is being utilized for political work. Police Officers felt ashamed when they could not arrest Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after such a major crime”, added the health minister.

Further, Bharadwaj said that the Delhi Police is deployed to keep an eye on the VIP areas.
“The Delhi Police is being deployed to keep an eye on the VIP areas, trap Arvind Kejriwal, trap the AAP leaders, and political espionage. Many times, Delhi Police staff are found keeping an eye around the AAP headquarters”, he claimed.

CBI conducts nationwide raids against online child sexual abuse

September 24, 2022, 12:54 pm

According to people familiar with the development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a major operation codenamed “Operation Megh-Chakra” on Saturday against the circulation and sharing of child sexual abuse material online, conducting raids at around 56 locations in 20 states and union territories.

They added that the operation was launched based on Interpol inputs. The original information about individuals involved in the alleged posting and distribution of child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) via various social media platforms was shared by Interpol, New Zealand, and was passed on to the CBI via Singapore.

The CBI conducted a similar operation, “Operation Carbon,” in November 2021, when raids were conducted at 76 locations across the country against 83 people, and several people were arrested.

The CBI also serves as the nodal agency for Interpol, which maintains an International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) image and video database that allows investigators from member countries to share data on cases of child sexual abuse.

ICSE has been used by 64 countries, including India, to identify 23,500 survivors and 10,752 offenders from the database’s 2.3 million images and videos. It allows for data sharing, both in an open network that all countries can access and with specific countries.

Since 2019, the CBI has also established a special unit called Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention/Investigation (OCSAE) to investigate cases of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. In addition to receiving various references/information, the unit investigates various offences involving online child sexual abuse and exploitation. It compiles and investigates information received from embassies and foreign federal investigation agencies about organised rackets engaged in online child sexual abuse and exploitation.