Patna: In yet another development in Muzaffarpur shelter home case, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday discovered five human skeletons at a cremation site in Sikandarpur. The investigative agency is currently present at the spot for a further probe. Meanwhile, digging of the site underway.

Over 30 girls were allegedly raped at the shelter home run by Brajesh Thakur, the head of a state-funded NGO. The alleged sexual exploitation of the girls was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by TISS to the state’s social welfare department. An FIR was lodged against 11 people, including Thakur, on May 31. The probe was later taken over by the CBI. The sexual abuse of 34 of the 42 inmates was confirmed in their medical examination.

Notably, the Supreme Court on September 21 set aside the Patna High Court order in the case which had restrained the media from reporting on the case. The apex court asked the media to highlight and report the case in a more responsible manner. The Supreme Court said there cannot be a blanket ban on media reporting in the case where several women were allegedly raped and sexually abused.

The top court also stayed a Patna High Court order to set up a fresh CBI team to probe the case, saying that such a move would not only be detrimental to the ongoing investigation but also to the victims. On August 23, the Patna High Court had expressed displeasure over the leak of details of the investigation and asked media to refrain from publishing it as it could be detrimental to the probe.