In a shocking case of alleged child abuse, a 12-year-old boy from Nagpur was rescued by authorities after being chained and locked up by his parents for several hours each day over a period of two months. The parents, both daily wage workers, reportedly took the extreme step claiming the boy was a habitual mobile phone thief.
Rescue After a Tip-Off
The distressing situation came to an end on Friday when a joint team from the Maharashtra government's Women and Child Development Department and the local police acted on a tip-off and rescued the child. The boy, who is a school dropout, has now been shifted to a government children's home for care and protection.
A source involved in the rescue described a harrowing scene. "He was standing on a bucket when the rescue team reached his place. His parents used to tie him at 9 am daily before leaving for work," the source revealed. The injuries observed on the child's body from being restrained were estimated to be at least 2 to 3 months old.
Behind the Parents' Extreme Action
According to officials familiar with the case, the boy had displayed behavioural issues. The Ajni police station had previously been alerted about his conduct. "The parents got hassled over his wrongdoings, especially theft," the source added, explaining the possible motivation behind the cruel confinement. The parents had also discontinued the boy's education.
A subsequent medical examination confirmed the visible injuries on the child's hands and legs were caused by chains and ropes. The examination also noted signs of potential mental and physical trauma.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The case is now set to be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further directives regarding the child's future. Meanwhile, the police have registered a case and are investigating the matter under the stringent provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
This incident has cast a spotlight on the dire need for systemic intervention in cases involving children with behavioural problems and the extreme measures sometimes resorted to by families lacking support and resources.
