In a shocking incident from Nagpur, Maharashtra, a 12-year-old boy was rescued on Friday after being found chained and locked inside his own home by his parents. The rescue operation was swiftly launched following an alert to the national Child Helpline 1098 by concerned neighbours.
Immediate Action and Rescue
Upon receiving the distress call, a dedicated child protection team was constituted under District Women and Child Development Officer Sunil Mesare. The team, led by the Nagpur District Child Protection Cell, immediately visited the location. What they discovered was deeply distressing.
District Child Protection Officer Mushtak Pathan described the scene, stating, "When our team reached the house, the child was found in extremely dire circumstances. He was chained, had no space to move, and had been kept without food or water. The condition of the child shocked the team, as such a young boy was subjected to such inhuman punishment." The boy was reportedly in a frightened state and was found with severe bruises on his hands and legs.
Parents' Justification and Family Background
The officers took the child into their custody without delay. When questioned, the parents, who are daily-wage labourers, attempted to justify their brutal actions. They claimed the boy was "mischievous," misbehaved, and was often involved in petty theft, which led to complaints from others.
The rescued child has two younger siblings, aged six and two years old. The immediate focus of the authorities was to secure the safety and well-being of the 12-year-old victim.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The child was first shifted to a safe location. He has since undergone a thorough medical examination and has been admitted to a children's home for care and protection. Authorities have also initiated counselling sessions for him to help deal with the trauma.
On the legal front, a formal complaint has been registered against the parents at the Ajni police station. The police are conducting a detailed investigation under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with other relevant sections of the law. The child will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further proceedings to decide on his future care.
This case highlights the critical role of community vigilance and mechanisms like Child Helpline 1098 in protecting vulnerable children from abuse and neglect.
