Bhubaneswar: A minor girl was rescued while wandering the streets of Bhubaneswar in tears and distress on Sunday morning.
According to Childline director Benudhar Senapati, the 12-year-old worked as a house help at Kailash Vihar, Chandrasekharpur, in the city due to her family’s extreme poverty. She fled the house after allegedly being subjected to severe physical abuse by her employer. She was spotted by a local resident, Debashree Mallik, who immediately alerted police and Childline.
Social workers from Ruchika Social Service Organisation lodged a formal complaint at Chandrasekharpur police station, and got the girl admitted to Capital Hospital, where examinations revealed multiple beating marks and burn injuries on various parts of her body. Following which, she was placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee.
Police have detained her employer, Umesh Chandra Samal, for questioning. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Child Helpline officials have also reached the police station to assist.
“According to the girl’s statement, she hails from Keonjhar district. Her family, struggling with extreme poverty, sent her to work. She had been working with the Samal family for nearly one and a half years for meagre Rs 2,000 a month. She alleged that despite completing all household chores, Samal would beat her mercilessly on the slightest pretext and even branded her with a hot iron rod. Unable to endure the torture any longer, she fled the house,” he added.
