Is Netflix’s Bhakshak based on Muzaffarpur shelter home case that shocked nation

Hyderabad: With Bhumi Pednekar-starring ‘Bhakshak’ releasing on Netflix on February 9, viewers are eager to delve into the harrowing true events that inspired this gripping tale. Helmed by Pulkit and produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma under Red Chillies Entertainment, the film boasts a stellar cast including Sanjay Mishra, Sai Tamhankar, and Aditya Srivastava, promising a riveting cinematic experience.

At the heart of Bhakshak lies the chilling narrative of the Muzaffarpur women's shelter home case, a shocking saga of abuse and exploitation that shook the nation to its core. The film follows the courageous journey of Vaishali Singh, portrayed by Bhumi Pednekar, a fearless journalist determined to expose the truth behind the atrocities committed within a government-funded shelter home.

Based on report filed by TISS in 2018

The case first came to light in 2018 with the submission of a damning report by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the Bihar Social Welfare Department.

The report unearthed disturbing allegations of sexual abuse and torture inflicted upon the shelter home’s inmates, most of whom were young girls aged between 7 and 17. Run by the non-governmental organization Seva Sankalp Evam Vikas Samiti, the shelter home was meant to provide refuge and care to vulnerable individuals but instead became a chamber of horrors.

Following the report’s revelation, an extensive investigation was launched by the Bihar Police, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals, including the shelter home’s director, Brajesh Thakur, a local politician with significant influence. The investigation exposed a web of corruption and complicity, implicating not only the shelter home staff but also local authorities who turned a blind eye to the abuse despite repeated complaints.

Case brought focus on immediate reforms

The Muzaffarpur women's shelter home case sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, igniting national conversations about child protection and the safety of vulnerable populations in shelter homes.

The appalling revelations prompted urgent calls for reforms in India’s child welfare system, emphasising the need for stricter regulations, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and greater accountability for those entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals.

The impact of the investigation reverberated far and wide, resulting in the rescue of the shelter home’s victims and the prosecution of those responsible for their suffering. Brajesh Thakur, along with several others, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his heinous crimes under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the POCSO Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.

As Bhakshak shines a spotlight on this dark chapter of Indian history, audiences brace themselves for a cinematic journey that promises not only to entertain but also to shed light on the urgent need for justice and reform. With stellar performances and a compelling narrative, the film is poised to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that the voices of the victims are heard and their stories are never forgotten.