Kozhikode South MLA MK Muneer on Wednesday presented a shocking report in the Kerala Assembly regarding the prevalence of sexual abuse at private old-age homes in the state.
Muneer alleged that elderly women residents are being sexually harassed at many private old-age homes in Kerala. He submitted a report -based on a secret investigation- to substantiate his claim.
The MLA said that in most cases, the older women are sedated at the time of abuse. There were cases of a grandson molesting his grandmother, while even an 85-year old woman was reportedly being regularly subject to sexually abuse by her relative, he added.
As per a special request by the state Health Minister KK Shailaja, Muneer handed over the report to her.
Responding to the issue, Shailaja said that the government is yet to get any complaints regarding the same, but that did not mean that such offences did not occur.
She assured the House that an enquiry will be ordered at the earliest, and will see to it that all the 577 private old-age homes in the state operate according to the rule book.
Speaking on the issue, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed Muneer’s revelations as 'shocking and painful' and a matter of grave concern. He reiterated that a high-level enquiry will be ordered into the allegations, and requisite action be taken, if needed.