During an investigative operation led by Priyank Kanoongo, the head of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), a shocking discovery unfolded in Sampigehalli, Bengaluru, on March 15th. The clandestine orphanage, devoid of windows, served as a prison for twenty young girls, many of whom were orphans.

Based on the reports from OpIndia, the children were subjected to complete isolation and denied access to education. The facility lacked any windows or skylights, with the girls confined within its enclosed walls. Some of the girls, who had attended school before residing in the home, ceased their education altogether. In discussions with the children, it emerged that Salma, the woman overseeing the property, arranged relationships for them in Kuwait. Initial discussions hinted at the involvement of Gulf countries in recruiting females for human trafficking, disguising it as marriage—a trend already observed in the south of Bharat.

As the inspection progressed, Salma and her associate Shameer reportedly resorted to intimidation tactics, even threatening public disruption by rallying the support of a few Islamists from a nearby mosque. Despite the gravity of the situation, authorities purportedly declined to file a First Information Report (FIR), sparking concerns about governmental inaction in combating organized crime and trafficking.

After the police intervened and successfully subdued the Islamist gang, one of the Islamists made a phone call instructing someone to announce at the mosque, urging people to gather in the area. In response to escalating tensions, the NCPCR team sought refuge at the Sampigehalli police station, prioritizing the safety of their female colleagues. Kanoongo expressed dismay over the government’s failure to address the issue effectively, citing appeasement as a significant obstacle in the battle against Islamist criminal syndicates.

In the footage captured during the inspection of the illegal orphanage in Bengaluru, Priyank Kanoongo, the chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), was seen engaging in a confrontation with a man present at the scene. In the adjacent room, several females with their faces covered were also visible.

The man confronted Kanoongo, questioning the absence of prior notification or information regarding the inspection. In response, Kanoongo asserted the authority of the NCPCR to conduct searches and visits without prior notification, dismissing the man’s challenge with the remark, “You are nobody to ask us. Who are you?”

Identifying himself as a member of the Masjid Federation, the Islamist man attempted to assert his authority. However, Kanoongo directed the police officials present to take the individual to the police station and file an official complaint against him. Despite the man’s resistance, Kanoongo emphasized the importance of an uninterrupted investigation and urged the police to focus on rescuing every child from the premises. Outside the orphanage, two bearded Islamist men were observed conversing with the police officials, although the context of their discussion was not immediately clear from the footage.

Mohammed Zubair, an alleged fact-checker, attempted to twist the truth regarding the actions of Priyank Kanoongo. Zubair alleged that Kanoongo was misusing his position by “harassing” the management, children, and caretakers of these facilities, but the truth is that child trafficking and cases of harassment are being investigated. Diverting attention from this issue, Zubair questioned whether Kanoongo attempted to meet with the “victim” who made allegations against the former Chief Minister of Karnataka under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. It is noteworthy that the so-called victim was a repeat offender – she had filed similar complaints against VIPs and was seen in pictures with Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar.

Zubair attempted to deviate from the facts surrounding the events in Sampigehalli and redirect the attention of social media. The government must take decisive action and conduct thorough inquiries into the trafficking of young girls and the operation of illegal orphanages to prevent such atrocities in the future.