Paratwada (Amravati): Investigations into the Amravati sexual abuse case hit a critical roadblock after the eight identified survivors refused to record their statements, posing a legal challenge to police.Authorities offered to record statements before women officers in plainclothes at locations and time convenient to the survivors and made repeated appeals on social media platforms. Despite sustained efforts, victims and their families remained hesitant, prompting authorities to deploy a multi-agency outreach strategy to build confidence and encourage cooperation.A coordinated team comprising officials from child welfare committee, the women and child development department, district child protection officers and women police personnel is actively engaging with families on the ground. A list of all eight identified victims has been handed over to the district child protection officers and the child welfare committee, which is now actively trying to establish contact with them.On Thursday, members of the joint team reached Paratwada police station, where they met senior officials and tried to contact families. However, officials said response remained muted — some calls went unanswered and some families refused to engage.Officials said these teams are focusing on assurance of safety, confidentiality and legal support, while making repeated attempts to convince victims and their families to come forward and record statements. Senior police officials revealed in some instances, parents were shown videos during course of investigation, but they categorically denied those in the footage were their daughters. Survivors are reportedly reluctant to come forward due to social taboo, fearing their identities may become public, leading to embarrassment for their families and the community.
