Saturday, 02 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has asked the police to provide a comprehensive investigation report regarding the alleged suicide by a minor girl employed as a house help in Dehradun. The SCPCR chairperson Geeta Khanna said this during her visit to the family of the victim.
Khanna added that after learning of the incident, she talked to the Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh and corresponded with him through a letter asking him to take strict action against those involved in the case. Further, she met the victim’s family after notifying the police. During her interaction with the family, they expressed their intent to defer performing the last rites of the victim until they have reviewed the post mortem report, she said. Khanna added that she conveyed her commitment to the family by asserting that stringent action will be taken against the guilty. She urged the police to promptly submit the investigation report to the commission. Furthermore, she requested for counselling to be provided to the family without delay.
Commenting further about such incidents, Khanna said that the incidence of cases in the State, some of which involve child labour, is escalating at a concerning pace. The commission has come across numerous instances of child labour and successfully rescued the victims. Economic factors often drive parents to push their children into such activities. To prevent future occurrences, she suggested that the police should organise awareness drives for children and parents to inform them about their rights. Additionally, it should be made mandatory for all domestic workers, whether in hotels or residential areas, to undergo verification at the nearest police station. Khanna also stressed the importance of regular monitoring by the police based on these verifications. The commission will always be vigilant for similar incidents in the future, ensuring that strict action is taken, she said.
