Cops miss child rights commission’s deadline to file report on trauma faced by 13-year-old
Orchid building in Thane
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Authorities at the Vartak Nagar police station have failed to act on the case of a 13-year-old, who was allegedly traumatised by his society chairman for playing on the building premises.
In its July 6 letter, the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) had asked the police to submit a detailed report in the case within 10 days. However, mid-day has found that even preliminary statements have not been recorded. "The report has not been submitted yet," confirmed Assistant Inspector CM Yadav, Vartak Nagar police. "We will be taking the statement of the boy's father today, and have sent a notice to the chairman," he added.
The incident allegedly took place on June 9 at Orchid building in Unnathi Garden, Thane, when Aryan D'Souza damaged a car's wiper with a ball while playing on the premises. The car's owner informed Aryan's father, Anil, about it, but when he spotted him playing again the next day, he took him to the society's office. Here, the chairman (Thomas Joseph) and other staff allegedly threatened him with dire consequences. According to Anil, the incident scarred his son to the extent that he refused to step out of home. The D'Souzas then lodged a non-cognisable complaint. But despite the MSCPCR's intervention, the police are dragging their feet on the matter.
Joseph denied the allegation. "The child was in the society office for not more than 5 minutes. I spoke to him like a father would to his child. There was no need to aggravate the situation," he said.