Wed Jan 22 17:43:08 UTC 2025: ## Five Girls Attempt Escape from Visakhapatnam Child Home, Alleging Harassment
**VISAKHAPATNAM, January 23, 2025** – Tension gripped a government child home in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday after five minor girls attempted to escape, alleging harassment and forced medication by staff. Videos of the escape attempt quickly went viral on social media.
The girls, aged between 7 and 18, claimed staff were administering sedatives without medical necessity and had ignored their requests to contact their parents. The home, which currently houses 60 girls, provides care for destitute, orphaned, and other children under the orders of Child Welfare Committees and courts.
Authorities confirmed the girls were admitted to the home under court orders from various districts. A statement released Wednesday night explained that the girls had refused medication for the past two days and expressed a desire to leave the facility.
Police, including female officers and representatives from the Women and Child Welfare department, intervened, counselling the girls and ensuring their safe return to the home. An investigation into the allegations is expected.
First Piper 