Social welfare dept is probing her confinement ‘as case of potential criminal negligence, unlawful detention’, Bastar collector said

RAIPUR: A bizarre case of a foster family allegedly trying to “protect” a young woman from a suspected molester by locking her in a room since she was eight has come to light in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar after officials reached their home to rescue her from what had been her prison for two decades.The orphaned girl, now in her 20s, barely responds when her name is called, has severely impaired eyesight, and appears traumatised after years without exposure to sunlight, open air or social contact, said Sister Clarelit of Gharaunda Ashram at Korchuli near Jagdalpur.Bastar collector Harish S told TOI the social welfare dept is probing her forced confinement “as a case of potential criminal negligence, unlawful detention, and violation of human rights”.“Officials are questioning her family members and probing the circumstances that led to such prolonged confinement… We will initiate action once the report is filed,” he said.Sources in the department quoted the woman’s foster family as saying they feared she would be sexually assaulted by an unidentified young man in the neighbourhood who had allegedly been after her. They claimed he was a habitual offender who would have targeted her if he saw her outside.Medical findings indicate slim chances of her regaining full eyesight. “Good news is she is slowly learning to respond, & walk with support,” Sister Clarelit said.