Noida: Outpouring of Support for Critically Injured 10-Year-Old Girl After TOI Report on Abuse
Support has been flooding in for a 10-year-old girl who is currently admitted with critical injuries at a hospital in Noida. This surge of compassion follows a detailed report by The Times of India that exposed the severe abuse she endured at the hands of a CRPF constable and his wife. The couple had employed the child for household work, leading to a tragic situation that has shocked the community.
Severe Injuries and Prolonged Suffering Uncovered
Upon admission on January 15, doctors discovered multiple alarming injuries on the young girl. These included fractured ribs, deep wounds to her head and chest, and clear signs of prolonged starvation. Investigators revealed that the couple had brought the girl from Malda in West Bengal to their official quarters in Greater Noida just last month. They had claimed they would take care of her, but instead, she was forced to perform household chores, including caring for the couple's two children, and was subjected to repeated assaults.
Police allege that on the night of January 14-15, the situation escalated violently. Following an argument over domestic work, the couple kicked and punched the child and smashed her head against a wall, leaving her critically injured and fighting for her life.
TOI Report Triggers Wave of Responses and Offers of Help
The Times of India's report, published on January 21 and titled '10-yr-old assault victim on life support: Abandoned by dad, mom unwell, kin don't want her', highlighted the girl's dire condition. She was battling for survival on ventilator support, abandoned by her father, and without any immediate caregiver. This story prompted an immediate and heartfelt wave of responses from residents, activists, and various organizations, all offering to assist with her treatment, education, and long-term rehabilitation.
A Delhi-based venture capitalist expressed horror at the case, offering to sponsor her treatment or provide financial assistance. However, officials have clarified that any direct involvement with the child cannot be decided at this stage, as she is now under the care and protection of the state.
Medical Improvement and State Intervention Under Juvenile Justice Act
On Thursday, a team from the Child Welfare Committee visited the girl at Max Hospital and reported positive developments. She had been taken off ventilator support and was showing signs of improvement, although she remains in the paediatric intensive care unit. KC Virmani, chairperson of the CWC in Noida, stated that the child has been officially declared a 'child in need of care and protection' under the Juvenile Justice Act.
"This means the child is a subject of the state and is being taken care of entirely by the state," Virmani explained. "The hospital expenses are being borne by the state, not by the child or her family." He added that while many people have come forward to help, decisions about the girl's future must follow due legal process. Guardianship has not yet been decided, and if additional support is needed later, the CWC will document offers and reach out appropriately.
Rehabilitation Process and Family Assessment Underway
As part of the rehabilitation efforts, Noida's CWC has begun coordinating with its counterpart in Malda, where the girl's family and minor siblings reside. Authorities in Malda have been tasked with assessing the family's living conditions, the mother's mental and financial capacity, and whether it is safe to rehabilitate the child in her home district. "It is too early to draw conclusions," Virmani noted. "We also need to assess whether there was any sexual abuse and whether the child has received any formal education."
If returning the child to her family is deemed unsafe, she will be placed in a child care institution, with her identity and location kept confidential to protect her. Officials emphasized that the role of the girl's relatives is still under assessment, as there are concerns that handing custody back without proper scrutiny could expose her to further exploitation or domestic labour. Any final decision will largely depend on the child's own statement once she is medically stable.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
On Thursday, Childline members also visited the girl to assess her condition but did not record any statement at that time. Meanwhile, police have recorded the statement of the girl's aunt from Malda, who reportedly told investigators that the child was sent to Noida not for work but in the hope of better care and upbringing. The CRPF constable and his wife, arrested on Monday, remain in judicial custody, and the CRPF has initiated an internal inquiry against the constable.
This case continues to unfold as authorities work to ensure justice and a secure future for the young victim, with the community's support playing a crucial role in her recovery journey.
