A 12-year-old domestic worker was rescued from a house in Sailashree Vihar, Bhubaneswar. She had serious burn and injury marks. She had been working there for over one and a half year.
She is now being treated at Capital Hospital and is stable but under observation. Police detained the employer, Umesh Chandra Samal. An investigation has been started.
Rescue and police action taken
According to reports, a local person saw the girl crying and walking on the street and informed the police and child helpline. Soon after, members of Ruchika Social Service Organisation (Childline) rescued her and took her to the hospital.
Chandrasekharpur police have registered a case after a complaint from child protection workers. Officials are now collecting evidence and investigating the case further.
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Claims of injuries and abuse
Officials said that medical reports showed multiple injury marks and deep burns on the child’s body. Officials suspect she may have been harmed repeatedly with a heated object. The girl, originally from Keonjhar district, had been working as a domestic help for around one-and-a-half years and was reportedly paid about ₹2,000 per month. Unable to bear the alleged abuse, she escaped from the house on Sunday morning.
Statement and investigation
As per Hindustan Times reports, Childline director Benudhar Senapati said, “She alleged that despite completing all assigned household chores, she was frequently beaten on minor pretexts and subjected to severe torture. She also stated that she was branded with a hot iron rod multiple times,”
The child has now been placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee. Police are also investigating possible violations of child labour and juvenile protection laws in the case.
