Dimapur, August 25 (MExN): An inquiry committee has been constituted to inquire and delve into the case of a child abused in Bayavu colony in Kohima earlier this month. The committee consists of members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Nagaland Child Rights Committee (NCRC), Bayavü Colony, North East Region Service Nepali Association (NERSNA), Labour department and advocates
The committee was constituted during an emergency meeting convened by the CWC in the Nagaland Bharat Scouts & Guides conference hall to discuss and come to a consensus regarding the fate of the 10 year old victim who is currently in a children’s care home. The meeting was attended by CWC, NCRC, Labour department, Bayavü Youth Organization, Bayavü Women Organization, YouthNet, Juvenile Justice Board, Nepali organizations, Panchayat GBs and chairman and teachers of Bayavü GPS.
Extensive discussions were held during the meeting regarding the 10 year old victim of physical torture by his owner, a resident of Bayavü colony, Kohima. Bayavü Youth Organization was alerted by teachers of GPS in Bayavü about a 10 year old student who attended school with bruises on his body and signs of mental and psychological abuse. The child was rescued and an FIR was lodged against the accused. The accused was arrested and placed under police custody after which he was placed under judicial custody. He is now reportedly been released on bail.
During the meeting, Sachopra Vero, chairman of the CWC said this was a case of “crime against society and not just an individual” and so the situation needs to be analyzed properly. He said something needs to be done for protection of helpless children including child-victims of assault. While asserting that the case cannot be withdrawn, Vero said action and penalty need to be given to the accused. This should be left to the court to decide, he said.
The CWC stated that since this is a case of child abuse, concern is for the welfare of the victim. The committee said a problem has arisen as the father of the victim wants to take him back. The chairman also urged the Nepali community to look into the matter and ask the intention of the father in wanting to take the child home. He further stated that the wish of the child needs to be taken into account as per law.
The organizations present agreed that the accused or guilty should be duly punished. YouthNet highlighted rights of a child victim of abuse and stated that any decision taken should be according to the child’s interest according to the the Juvenile Justice Act. The organization said that the child should be kept in the care-home until the inquiry is over.
The BYO also assured that it had no intention of withdrawing the FIR. It has requested for the support of the concerned organizations and committees. The organization said its only intention was to rescue the child who is supposedly adopted by the accused and that it had no personal agenda against the accused.
A project officer of the Labour department also informed that on October 10, 2006, the Government of India had notified that keeping children below 14 years of age as domestic servants is prohibited. The department is trying to sensitize the people, the official said, but expressed regret that it is taking time. He said the committee should check whether the victim was legally adopted by the accused. Under the Juvenile Justice Act, no one can take a child into the state government’s custody. A representative of the Juvenile Justice Board said the incident has been an eye-opener. The case should be taken into action and law so that later cases will be easier to handle.
