No sexual exploitation of tribals in Bastar, says police

Raipur, Jan 2 (UNI) Chhattisgarh police today denied that tribal women put up in relief camps in naxalite-infested South Bastar were falling prey to sexual exploitation.

Talking to mediapersons, Director Deneral of Police Om Prakash Rathor described the propaganda as ''baseless and far from truth.'' ''It's just a bundle of lies. It seems to be conspiracy,'' Mr Rathor said, when asked about the charges about sexual exploitation in the relief camps.

When pointed out that the National Commission for Women (NCW) in its report had also stated that the situation of women and children in the relief camps was not good, he said there was no such exploitation in the relief camps.

''These relief camps are open. Anyone can go and see it.

Sexual exploitation is not possible in these relief camps,'' he added.

A day after the NCW had expressed its concern over the situation of women and children in the relief camps, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi had alleged that there were a number of incidents of sexual exploitation of tribal women residing in the relief camps.

More than 50,000 people, who had to desert their native villages in South Bastar, following threat from the naxals, had taken shelter in 17 relief camps set up by the state government.

All these relief camps were heavily guarded by para-military forces.

UNI