After rescue of minor maid, Haridwar judge suspended

NAINITAL: The Uttarakhand high court on Wednesday suspended Haridwar civil judge (senior division) Dipali Sharma, after a 14-year-old girl, who was working as a domestic help at her residence, was rescued by police on January 29. A complaint was filed in the HC by an unknown person alleging harassment and torture of the child. No FIR has been registered against the judge in question so far, but sources said it might be lodged on Thursday.
A source, refusing to reveal his identity, told TOI, “After a complaint by an anonymous source came, the honorable chief justice of the HC took cognizance of the matter, following which Haridwar district judge Rajendra Singh Chauhan was directed to look into the matter. The allegations turned out to be true, prima facie.”
The district judge and district officials, including the district police chief, had submitted the report in the high court.
Police had raided the residence of the judge on January 29 and rescued the minor girl, who had more than 20 burn and injury marks on her body. The victim is now under the care of the state child commission.
Narrating her ordeal before police, the girl said that she was "forcibly confined" within the house located at the Judges Colony in Roshnabad. The girl also claimed that she was assaulted by the judge for over four years.
After rescuing the girl, police took her to the district hospital, where she underwent medical examination. Doctors confirmed 20 injuries on her body, including some old burn injuries.
The parents of the girl are said to be residents of Padampuri village in Nainital district, and police are in touch with them for further investigation.