Bengaluru Boy Allegedly Assaulted in Police Custody Over Gold Theft Case
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has intervened in a disturbing case involving an 11-year-old boy who was allegedly assaulted at the Parappana Agrahara police station in Bengaluru. The boy, accused of stealing a purse containing 120 grams of gold, reportedly sustained injuries to his ear during police questioning, with visuals of his condition circulating online and sparking public outrage.
Family Alleges Police Brutality and Coercion
According to the boy's parents, the incident stems from an August 2025 allegation where a woman claimed her purse with gold was stolen near their shop in Vinayak Layout, Shantipur. The woman reportedly gave the boy Rs 10 before leaving for Tamil Nadu, only to return six days later to file a police complaint naming him as the suspect. Initially questioned and released, the case was revived nearly five days ago when the woman filed a fresh complaint.
The parents allege that during subsequent questioning, police officers beat the boy in their presence, intimidated him by repeatedly switching lights on and off, and forced him to record a video confession admitting to the theft. They further claim the police threatened to jail them if the gold was not returned, using the confession video as leverage. The boy was later admitted to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The family has raised serious questions about why the case was reopened after several months and whether child protection laws were grossly violated. They are demanding strict action against the involved police personnel, with their statements gaining traction through online media visuals.
Police Deny Allegations, Cite Proper Procedures
In response, police officials have categorically denied any use of force or misconduct. A senior officer stated that the boy was questioned in the presence of his parents and a Child Welfare Committee (CWC) officer, with the child allegedly admitting to taking the bag containing the gold chain during this session. "No physical assault took place at any point," the officer emphasized.
Police sources reiterated that all interactions with the child were conducted in strict compliance with the Juvenile Justice Act guidelines, ensuring no illegal interrogation or physical harm occurred. They maintain that the procedures were followed meticulously to protect the child's rights while investigating the theft allegation.
Child Rights Commission and Police Launch Inquiries
The matter gained official attention after visuals of the injured boy surfaced online, prompting the KSCPCR to take suo motu cognisance. Commission Chairperson Shashidhar S Kosambe confirmed that a detailed report has been sought to examine whether the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act were properly adhered to during the investigation.
Simultaneously, the deputy commissioner of police of the Electronic City division has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. This investigation aims to provide a clear sequence of events, including the manner in which the boy was questioned and the circumstances surrounding his alleged injuries. The outcome of these parallel inquiries is awaited to determine the next steps in this sensitive case.
