At least 26 girls from various states, including Gujarat, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, are reported missing from an unauthorized shelter home in Bhopal.
The National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairman, Priyank Kanoongo, discovered the situation during a surprise visit to the Aanchal Girls' Hostel on the outskirts of Bhopal.
A register check revealed 68 entries, but 26 girls were unaccounted for, according to an India Today report.
Anil Mathew, the shelter home director, provided an unsatisfactory response when questioned about the missing girls. Reportedly, apolice FIR has been filed in the case, with girls originating from Gujarat, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Sehore, Raisen, Chhindwara, and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh.
The FIR notes several irregularities in the illegally-operated children's home.
Kanungo, in a tweet, said, "The operating NGO here has been working as a Child Line partner like a government agency till recently, and while working as a government representative, it has rescued children from the streets, without informing the government, its own NGO is being run without a license."
He further alleged that the rescued children were kept covertly, practising Christianity without Child Welfare Committee approval, adding, "Most of the more than 40 girls aged between 6 and 18 are Hindus."
He also claimed, "Unfortunately, the officials of the Women and Child Development Department of Madhya Pradesh want to run the child helpline on contract from such NGOs."
According to reports, the officials stated that the children were rescued and presented to the Child Welfare Committee, the FIR reportedly revealed that the home had not been shut down yet and there was meat and fish present in the kitchen.
The FIR also highlighted the absence of CCTV cameras and the violation of rules with two male guards at night, whereas regulations mandate only female guards in girls' shelter homes.
Officials noted that while the children's home housed girls of different religions, they were made to worship according to a single religion (Christianity). A notice regarding the incident has been sent to the state Chief Secretary.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan stated on X, "Considering the seriousness and sensitivity of the matter, I urge the government to take note and take immediate action."
