Woman dies in govt shelter home

Jashpur | Correspondent: An 18-year-old deaf and mute woman died under mysterious circumstances while staying at a government-run Sakhi Centre in Jashpur district, leading the administration to order a magisterial inquiry.

The woman had been living at the centre after she survived an attempted sexual assault in the Kunkuri area on April 3. Police had arrested the accused and sent him to jail, while the survivor was shifted to the Sakhi Centre for care and protection.

Taking serious note of the incident, the district collector ordered a magisterial probe on June 2. The identity of the woman has not been disclosed.

Questions have been raised over the functioning of the centre. According to officials, residents are usually allowed to stay at a Sakhi Centre for a limited period, but the woman had reportedly been there for more than 45 days.

Health department officials said the woman was taken to the district hospital on May 19 in a critical condition. However, she died before reaching the hospital.

During the post-mortem examination, doctors reportedly found a piece of a safety pin and a bottle cork in her private parts. The findings have raised concerns about safety and monitoring at the facility.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. G.S. Jatra said the woman had earlier complained of severe stomach pain and was given treatment before being sent back to the centre.

Officials said samples of viscera and other organs have been sent to Ambikapur for forensic examination. The exact cause of death will be known after the report is received.