Bhakshak Movie Real Story: The Shocking “Muzaffarpur Shelter Home Scandal” That Shook The Whole Nation
Bhakshak Movie Real Story: The Shocking “Muzaffarpur Shelter Home Scandal” That Shook The Whole Nation
Bhakshak Movie Real Story
Bhakshak (2024) Movie is inspired by the horrific Muzaffarpur shelter home case that came to light in 2018. The case involved the sexual assault of over 30 minor girls at a government-funded shelter home in Muzaffarpur, Bihar run by Brajesh Thakur’s NGO. Thakur was the prime accused in the case and was convicted in 2020.
The Netflix movie focuses on a journalist named Anjali (played by Bhumi Pednekar) who investigates the crimes happening at a women’s shelter called Ujjawal Paalan Griha run by a powerful politician Bansi Sahu (Aditya Srivastava). Though fictionalized, Bansi Sahu’s character seems inspired by main accused Brajesh Thakur. The girls at the shelter home are repeatedly drugged, raped, and exploited by men with connections to Bansi.
Bhakshak Movie Trailer
Background of the Case
In May 2018, a social audit conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) exposed rampant sexual abuse of minor girls at the shelter home called Balika Grih (Muzaffarpur shelter case). The audit report stated that several girls living at the shelter home had complained of sexual abuse and named one Brajesh Thakur as the main perpetrator.
Thakur was the owner of the non-governmental organization called Sewa Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti that ran the shelter home. Following the TISS report, an FIR was filed by the Bihar Social Welfare Department and the police arrested Thakur along with 10 others in June 2018. The case was then transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Key Developments in the Case
The Muzaffarpur shelter home case has seen several twists and turns ever since it came to light in 2018. Some of the key developments have been:
- Multiple chargesheets filed by CBI: The CBI filed multiple chargesheets against the accused, including Thakur who was described as the kingpin of the racket. In total, 20 people including Thakur were chargesheeted by the CBI.
- Murder charges added: In January 2020, the CBI informed the Supreme Court that 11 girls were allegedly murdered by Thakur and others after being raped and tortured. This added charges of rape, conspiracy and murder against the accused.
- Convictions in January 2020: In a major development, a Delhi court convicted 19 accused including Thakur in January 2020. Thakur and others were held guilty of aggravated sexual assault and rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
- Life imprisonment to Thakur, others in February 2020: In February 2020, a Delhi court sentenced Thakur and 18 others to life imprisonment till last breath for sexually assaulting 34 minor girls over a period of time. This was a landmark judgement.
Status of Victims and Aftermath
The Muzaffarpur case highlighted the horrific abuse and exploitation of hapless girls at a government shelter home. Most of the minor victims were from poor families and marginalized sections who had been placed at the shelter for care and protection.
The victims had to undergo immense trauma and social stigma after the abuse came to light. However, in recent years many victims have shown immense courage to pick up the pieces and move on with their lives. With help from NGOs and some government initiatives, several victims have found employment in sectors like hospitality, managed to complete education and focus on their future.
Nonetheless, a dark chapter remains in Bihar’s record of child protection. The case highlighted the broken child protection system filled with corruption and lack of oversight. It shook the conscience of the nation and reinforced the urgent need for reform.
While some key perpetrators have been convicted, activists have pointed out loopholes in the investigation and failure to establish strong charges of drugging, filming and murder of inmates. The aftermath of the case is a reminder that justice must not only be delivered but seen to be delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did the Muzaffarpur shelter home case come to light?
A. The case first came to public attention in May 2018 when TISS submitted an audit report of the shelter home containing testimonies of sexual abuse.
Q. Who was the main accused in the case?
A. Brajesh Thakur, who ran the NGO that managed the shelter home, was described as the kingpin and main accused in the horrific sexual abuse of girls.
Q. What was the verdict delivered by the court?
A. In January 2020, a Delhi court convicted 19 accused including Thakur of rape, sexual assault and criminal conspiracy. In February 2020, Thakur and others were sentenced to life imprisonment till their last breath.
The Muzaffarpur case reflects the dark underbelly of child protection services in India. It underscores the need for systemic reform and oversight to ensure such exploitation of vulnerable children never happens again. Only through collective action can we ensure a safe future for India’s children.
