Sexual abuse of nursery student: Cops accused of violating POCSO Act

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March 20, 2015

Mangaluru, Mar 20: Expressing concern over the lack of legal action against the management and head of Mangalore One School for showing irresponsibility in the case of sexual abuse of a nursery student by a school van driver near Thokkottu last week, a group of like-minded activists alleged that the police department was showing signs of trying to cover up the case and the school’s involvement in it.

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Addressing a media conference here on Friday, state convenor of Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL) Renni D’Souza said that even a week after the sexual abuse took place, the police department had not taken any action against the management and head of the school. The school management committee did not take any responsibility with regard to the case or the well-being of the child, and initially tried to cover up the matter. The management committee members also show a lack of awareness of any child protection policy in the school, he said, urging the public education department and the district administration to conduct an enquiry in this regard.

He said that the irresponsible behaviour of the school management committee was very condemning and urged suitable action against the management of the school.

‘Police have violated sections of POCSO Act’

Mr D’Souza also alleged violation of the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the investigating police officers in the sexual abuse case. Certain sections of the POCSO Act states that when the child is taken into their protective custody, the police officers must not be present in their uniform and the child must not be taken in a police vehicle.

In the sexual case of the nursery student, the child was taken in a police van to the hospital on the day of the crime, while policemen were present in front of the child in uniform, he said.

He urged that the sexual abuse case should be handled by a special fast-track court within a period of six months to ensure swift justice to the child and her family.

Silent candlelight march – Justice for Baby Nirbhaya

Co-ordinator of Citizen’s Forum for Mangalore Development Vidya Dinker said that the Child Welfare Committee, Dakshina Kannada had sent notices to the police department and the school in question to appear before the committee. In view of the sexual abuse of the child, the entire back-up system present has failed to act in favour of the child.

In order to make the system more responsive, a silent candle-light will be held by activists and like-minded citizens march under the aegis of Justice for Baby Nirbhaya Forum between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Nehru Maidan on Saturday, she said, stressing on the necessity for more awareness in the society on child sexual abuse.

Director of Centre for Integrated Learning, Mangalore Sachita Nandagopal, general secretary of Sahana Women’s Counselling, Mangalore Khairunnisa and president of Career Guidance and Information Centre, Mangalore Umar U H were present.

Also Read: Hundreds rally for swift justice in sexual abuse of nursery kid; warn government

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News Network
October 29,2024

Mangaluru: A fraud case involving ₹43.32 lakh has been reported at the CEN station, where an individual was deceived under the guise of investment opportunities. 

The victim was promised high returns from stock and Initial Public Offering (IPO) transactions.

According to the complaint, the victim received a WhatsApp message on September 25 from an unknown sender identifying himself as Manju Pachisi, an Assistant at IIFL Securities Limited. 

The sender encouraged the victim to invest by sharing an online link, claiming significant profits could be earned from stock and IPO transactions.

Additionally, another link was sent via the Telegram app. Trusting the information, the victim transferred a total of ₹43.32 lakh in phases between September 26 and October 23. 

However, when he attempted to withdraw his funds, he was informed that he needed to pay a 25 percent commission. Realizing he had been duped, the victim promptly filed a complaint with the authorities.

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News Network
October 27,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 27: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has been appointed to the consultative committee of the Ministry of Defence. 

This esteemed committee, led by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, comprises 14 members from the Lok Sabha, six from the Rajya Sabha, and two nominated members. 

Capt. Chowta is among the 14 members selected from the Lok Sabha to represent the voice of the people in this critical sector.

The committee is tasked with providing expert advice to the government on key defence policies, implementation strategies, and national security matters.

Meetings will be held regularly to ensure informed, timely guidance on these crucial issues, according to a press release from MP Chowta's office.

“With our country making strides towards self-reliance in defence under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it’s an honour to serve as a member of the Ministry of Defence Advisory Committee. As both a soldier and a parliamentarian, this role is a true privilege,” expressed Capt. Chowta.

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News Network
October 29,2024

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Kasargod, Oct 29: At least 154 people have been injured in a fireworks accident at the Anjootambalam Veererkavu Temple in Kerala's Kasaragod district. Among the injured, eight individuals are reported to be in serious condition, with one person in extremely critical condition. The tragic incident occurred just after midnight on Monday during the traditional Theyyam festival, which drew over 1,500 attendees to the temple.

Eyewitnesses stated that the accident was triggered when sparks from firecrackers ignited additional fireworks stored in a nearby room. As panic ensued, a stampede followed, leading to further injuries. Local authorities confirmed that 97 individuals have been admitted to various hospitals in Kasargod, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Mangalore for treatment.

A young girl present during the incident recounted, "The accident took place after sparks from crackers fell into a room where other fireworks were stored. Soon, we were all running away, and I fell down and got injured. My sister escaped unhurt."

Safety Protocols Ignored: Police Detain Temple Officials

Authorities have attributed the cause of the fire to negligence on the part of the temple officials. The police have taken two members of the temple committee into custody for questioning. According to local officials, the temple had stored low-intensity fireworks worth around Rs 25,000 for the festival, which concludes on Tuesday night.

Kasargod district Superintendent of Police (SP) D. Shilpa emphasized that the temple authorities failed to comply with safety protocols, noting that they did not secure the mandatory licenses required for the bursting of firecrackers. District Collector K. Inbasekar confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway, with forensic samples collected from the accident site.

Local CPI(M) MLA M. Rajagopal expressed his condolences, calling the incident "very unfortunate" and reinforcing that safety measures must be strictly adhered to during such celebrations. Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan echoed these sentiments, pointing out the serious lapses on the part of officials responsible for ensuring safety during the festival.

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