Author: Our Staff Reporter
Publication: The Hindu
Date: May 4, 2002
The district police today arrested
a Dutch national for indulging in sexual abuse at an orphanage run by him
at Poonchery village near Mamallapuram.
The Chengai Range DIG, Sangram Jangid,
said Wilhelm (48) set up the Little Home for the Orphans at the village
eight years ago. There were a total of 42 inmates in the age group 10-20.
Nineteen among them were girls. While most of the inmates were orphans,
many others were children of those parents who could not afford the upbringing
of their wards. The sexual abuse of these boys and girls came to light
when one of the inmates, Krishnan, managed to escape from the orphanage
and got himself admitted to the JIPMER Hospital in Pondicherry. His statement
was recorded by the police over allegations of child abuse and other forms
of torture.
The local police began their investigations
and arrested Wilhelm today.
Two other persons who used to bring
the young boys and girls to the home were also taken into custody. He had
been charged under section 377 IPC (sexual abuse).
Only 15 children were now present
at the home and the rest had gone on leave to other places.
Besides Wilhelm, his wife, a couple
of relatives and five staff were working in the orphanage.
Some two-three children always used
to accompany Wilhelm whenever the latter went out of station.
