Nagpur/Amravati: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and District Child Protection Unit have begun outreach efforts across Paratwada and Achalpur, engaging community leaders to encourage survivors and their families to come forward in the sexual exploitation case. Authorities are urging them to file complaints and record statements, assuring support and confidentiality in the ongoing investigation. The teams have achieved a breakthrough with one minor girl coming forward to record her statement. “We are now trying to contact the local community leaders, social workers and religious heads to get other families and their daughters speaking,” said a team member.Meanwhile, State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan reiterated that all eight survivors are from the Muslim community. Addressing a press conference, Khan termed as misleading the statements made by BJP leader and former MP Navneet Rana that all survivors were Hindu and that none were burqa-clad. Such statements risk inciting communal tensions, he said.Meanwhile, religious leaders are coming forward to condemn the scandal. City Qazi of Achalpur-Paratwada, Syed Gaisoddin said the case must be viewed purely as a criminal act and not through the prism of religion. The 78-year-old cleric told TOI said the actions of the main accused have tarnished the social fabric of the town. “We must see the accused as a criminal, not as Hindu or Muslim,” he said. Calling for strict legal action, Gaisoddin emphasized that justice must be delivered swiftly.“Any individual trying to spread hatred or give inflammatory statements in the name of religion should face strict police action,” he said, adding that the law must apply equally to all, including political leaders.Khan said complaints have been received from families of survivors seeking action against Rana under the POCSO Act. He also said the Commission would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari demanding strict action.Criticising what he called divisive politics, Khan said such actions damage the image of leadership that focuses on inclusive development. On demolition of alleged illegal construction at the residence of the key accused after due notice, Khan clarified that such action falls under local administrative jurisdiction.He said the Commission has prepared a detailed report based on its field survey, which will be submitted to the state and central govts.
