15 Dec 2010

CHILDLINE Coimbatore foils mass marriage


Shockingly enough, child marriage continues to be  prevalent in India.
In December, 2010 CHILDLINE Coimbatore received a call from a well-infomed lady who shared information on a mass marriage, scheduled to happen in the village of Karadimadai.
A team member of CHILDLINE decided to visit the village to gather some facts on the situation. After speaking with Ujjwala, a 13 year girl, he learnt that her marriage was preset by her parents with a farmer of the village who was 10 years older than her. The marriage was planned to coincide with the auspicious period of Valarpirai, the phase of the waxing moon after Amavasya, in the Tamil month of Karthikai.

After much interrogation, U Santhanam, the Director of CHILDLINE Coimbatore wrote a complaint to P.Umanath, District Collector, informing him about the gravity of the issue at hand. Immediate action was undertaken in which the CHILDLINE team members, District Collector, Village Administrative Officer, Superintendent of Police and 50 Police Personnel arrived at the village to stop the marriage.

After the parents of the children refused to cooperate and show any proof of the age of the child, the Police threatened to get them arrested for their illegal act. It took a lot of convincing and persuasion for the community to understand the dangers of child marriage.

In a bold initiative against child marriage, CHILDLINE Coimbatore and the Coimbatore district administration jointly foiled mass marriage and rescued 9 children. They also received coverage for the case in The Indian Express, The Hindu, The Times of India and local TV channels. 

5 Dec 2010

CHILDLINE Ahmednagar fights for justice; 20 get double life terms


The battle to bring to book those who shattered her life did not go waste for this victim of rape, who waited three years before the Ahmednagar sessions court announced life imprisonment for all the 20 accused. The case was exposed by CHILDLINE Ahmednagar, following a tip off.

On February 23, 2006, CHILDLINE Ahmednagar was contacted by an auto rickshaw driver from Maliwada in Ahmednagar with a missing complaint of his 14 years old daughter. Neha, a fourteen year old girl belongs to lower socio-economic background. Neha had lost her mother at very young age and her father was an auto rickshaw driver. She was studying in 9th standard in one of the reputed schools in the city.

CHILDLINE Ahmednagar rescued the minor girl child from flesh trade and convinced the victim to file a police complaint at the Tofkhana police station and C.R. No. 50 was registered on February 24, 2010. Neha narrated her trauma of the past three years to the CHILDLINE team members that she was threatened and taken to various places such as Dhule, Ahmednagar, Sangamner, Shahada, Shirdi and Goa and repeatedly raped by the accused. Since several local politicians and traders were involved in the scandal, the case was handed over to the State Crime Investigation Department (CID).
A total of 25 people comprising police and Government officers, local political leaders, lawyers, Industrialists were booked in the case. However, the main accused, Sheela Bargal, died a couple of months after the case was registered in February 2006. The hearing of the case lasted for more than four years and 38 witnesses were examined. After a 4 year legal battle, CHILDLINE succeeds in getting conviction of 20 high profile individuals who were exposed in a brutal case of gang rape, trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. In a landmark judgement all the 20 accused were sentenced to double life term imprisonment and additional fine to cover rehabilitation of the victim.

On September 20 2010, the District and Sessions Court judge Makarand D. Keskar convicted 20 people with two life terms in the high profile case of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a child. The judge also fined all the convicts Rs. 10,000/- each for every section they were charged with, failing which they will have to undergo additional jail term of three months to five years.

The convicts were punished under section 376(2)(g) gang rape, 120(b), 376(rape), 120(b) and section 5(a)(1)(d) of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA) and 366 (kidnapping).The convicts have been asked to pay a fine of Rs.10,000 each for every section under which he was booked. Fifty percent of the fine amount will be used for rehabilitating the victim. The case was pleaded by special Public Prosecutor Advocate Vijay Sawant.

CHILDLINE Ahmednagar received a massive appreciation by Judicial circles, Media, NGO's, Police department and the well wishers. The 20 year old, Neha plans to finish her studies. "I dream of joining the police to help unfortunate girls like me stand on their feet again," she said.

30 Nov 2010

Safe School Campaign launched in Ganjam District

On November 29, 2010, CHILDLINE Behrampur launched Safe School Campaign in Ganjam District. CHILDLINE Behrampur in association with OACRC, Bhubaneswar organised a day long talk on safe and child friendly school at Ramaharinagar Saraswati Sisubidya Mandir on November 29, 2010. The Safe School Campaign was launched in Ganjam District to promote the concept of child friendly schools & successful implementation of the right to free and compulsory education act.





Addressing a talk organised in connection with the inaugural of Safe School Campaign, Dr. Bauribandhu Sahu said Children have the right to express their opinion. Commenting on the RTE, he said The Right to education act is the result of thought and deliberation of imminent persons & educationists of our country and reflects the socio-economic status of the country expressed, Dr. Sahu.




Dr. U.S.Murty, Chairman, Child Welfare Committee, Ganjam explained about the constitutional provisions in regard to the idea of safe school for children. Mr. Sudhir Sabat, Director, CHILDLINE Behrampur said that the campaign is meant to sensitize community for a collective action towards ending all forms of discrimination, abuse and violence against children in schools and make the environment conducive, child friendly and enjoyable for children and to learn without fear.




The future of every country lies in the hands of their youth but the future of the young ones lies on the way the leaders of the country handle their education sector," expressed a 13 year old participant during the meet. Students, members of parents and teachers union from 32 schools in Ganjam, district participated in the programme. During the meet, an art exhibition was organized on the theme "Different Forms of Child Abuse and Prevention.

21 Nov 2010

CHILDLINE participates in the Airtel Delhi Half marathon 2010


New Delhi: On the November 21, 2010, CHILDLINE participated in the Airtel Delhi Half marathon 2010 at Central Civil Services Ground, Delhi. This year as well saw four categories, the 21km Half Marathon , the 6km Dream Run, the 4km Senior Citizens Run and the 2.5 km Wheelchair Event.

The Sixth edition of this path breaking event motivated a cross section of the city's citizenry, young and old, from all walks of life, to come together and raise monies for causes of their choice. CHILDLINE marked its presence with a team consists of 43 children and adults all waving their flags and posters and lustily singing the CHILDLINE Song "Dus Nau Aath" all along the race route. The morning winter chill did not deter the spirits of more than 30,000 people who participated with a great deal of enthusiasm in various categories like the 21km Half Marathon , the 6km Dream Run, the 4km Senior Citizens Run and the 2.5 km Wheelchair Event.

On the race day once the elite athletes were flagged off on their Half Marathon, there were thousands of people who hit the roads. They participated in the Half Marathon, The Great Delhi Run, The Dream Run and the Wheelchair Event. There were runners dressed in CHILDLINE T-shirts, caps brandished placards on Child Protection and waving CHILDLINE flags and banners. Their vociferous chants did not go unnoticed with the audience there.

This year CHILDLINE Ms.Preet Dhupar ran as Dream Runner and Rajeev Vaid as Dream maker who participated enthusiastically in the marathon. CIF team with supporters participated with gusto wearing the CHILDLINE T shirts and caps and waving banners sang the 1098 song along the race route supporting CHILDLINE.


Ms. Preet Dhupar ran as a Dream Runner for CHILDLINE. This was her fifth consecutive run for CHILDLINE at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and raised a substantial sum for CHILDLINE. Being asked about her experiences and her motivation to participate in the Marathon, Ms. Preet Dhupar said, "Marathons have become a great platform for people to raise awareness and support and gain visibility for various causes. Delhi half marathon is becoming livelier each year and Delhiites are imbibing the spirit of giving and one of Delhi's most keenly awaited sporting celebrations."

CHILDLINE is in aid of children and children have always been able to pull at my heartstrings, added to that was the challenge to my own self to be able to collect money and do the run. I have also been fortunate that I have had the continued support of friends that keep me in the run every year and it is brilliant that new people also contribute each year and I wish that I could do more, she added.


CHILDLINE express sincere gratitude to all our supporters both corporates and individuals who have supported us by running and raising pledges and spreading awareness about CHILDLINE 1098 service.

14 Nov 2010

Mumbai CHILDLINE Birthday Party 2010


CHILDLINE celebrated 14th CHILDLINE Mumbai Birthday Party at BMC Krida Bhavan, Dadar on November 14, 2010. 1000 Street children from across Mumbai, Thane and Kalyan from CHILDINE partners' shelter came for the Party with much enthusiasm and energy.

Mumbai Birthday Party is an annual celebration for the street children of Mumbai. This day is very special for each and every child, as most of them celebrate this day as their own birthday . They have no memories of a family or their birth year. For them it's their very own birthday party and they look forward to with much cheer and anticipation.








It was a memorable evening full of fun with balloons, streamers, food, drinks, music and the highlight being the performance by the International Clowns. The Birthday party was not just fun but it was entertaining as Clowns performed mime, pantomime, music, comedy, magic, balloon sculpting, juggling, unicycling, acrobats and stilt shows.... the kids had the most memorable time. Laughter and enchantment percolated during the innovative show as the clowns entered into a playful conspiracy with the kids.

Children attired in colourful costumes danced away to latest bollywood hits till the night. They also took part in different fun games, face painting and tattoo. Finally children were served with Biryani dinner and were given gift packets at the end of the party. This year CHILDLINE Mumbai Birthday Party was sponsored by Axis Bank Foundation.

CHILDLINE Walkathon 2010


Making a difference this Children's day was the CHILDLINE Walkathon 2010, an initiative by CHILDLINE in association with Rotary Club of Mumbai-Queen's necklace at Police Gymkhana, Marine Drive on November 14, 2010.The walkathon was flagged off by Neerja Birla.






Hundreds of people participated in the CHILDLINE Walkathon organised as a part of CHILDLINE Se Dosti celebrations. Commenced held at the Police Gymkhana at 7.30 am, the initiative saw an overwhelming support and participation from young volunteers, social activists and the general public who walked hand in hand along the scenic Queen's necklace of Mumbai from Police gymkhana Marine Lines, towards H2O and back to the Police Gymkhana.

The unique Walkathon aimed at creating a mass movement and bringing about awareness in the society about child rights and protection issues.This fun-filled event saw a walk through the scenic Queen's necklace of Mumbai, performances by International clown and Police band marched en route to the final destination. The participants supporting CHILDLINE were clearly visible with their white CHILDLINE T-Shirts and CHILDLINE flags and banners. The walk was vibrant with the hoops of joy from the children and people from all walks of life came together to support the cause. Just before the walkathon, all the participants pledged to
Dial 1098
For any help my dost might need
Object / Oppose
To any harm being caused to my dost
Speak up
Against those who cause harm to my dost
Treat

My dost with dignity, respect and love, promise to be a true CHILDLINE dost

This initiative was proposed with the hope that with each person who walks, a new 'dost' is made.Speaking on the occasion, Ms.Kajol Menon, executive director, CHILDLINE India Foundation, said, "We at CHILDLINE believe that for a helpline to be successful and effective in reaching out to the millions of children deprived of their childhood, we need to work in a partnership framework."

CHILDLINE Se Dosti is a campaign to make ordinary citizens stakeholders in CHILDLINE 1098. We want people from all walks of life to get to know CHILDLINE, begin to care about vulnerable children and appreciate the need for protecting our children be it a student, a taxi driver, an IT professional, a rickshaw puller or a housewife. From one dost to a million I hope it has a ripple effect she added.
CHILDLINE Walkathon was part of CHILDLINE se dosti, a week long awareness campaign which integrated various activities like Short Film Making, Photography Competition, Suraksha Banshan, Painting Competition, etc.

In addition to the support from a multitude of students from various schools and colleges who volunteered to ensure the smooth functioning of CHILDLINE Walkathon 2010, the initiative received great support from the Queen's Necklace chapter of the Rotary Club.CHILDLINE Walkathon at Mumbai was the start of a nationwide program. Soon the Walkathon will be in other cities.

13 Nov 2010

CHILDLINE Delhi Birthday Party 2010


CHILDLINE Delhi has completed 12 years of its functioning reaching out to over one lakh children every year. Children call 1098 to share their problems, grief, pain and happiness with the CHILDLINE teams. At CHILDLINE, children's voices and feedback has always been precious. Taking this relationship with children forward, CHILDLINE Delhi celebrated 12th Birthday at Delhi with a party for children from the children's home, the streets and slums of Delhi on November 13, 2010.








This was an informal fun filled event with food, music, dance, food, music, and other fun activities for the children. CHILDLINE birthday party is very special as most of them celebrate this day as their birthday since they have no memories of a family or birth year. For them it's their very own birthday party and they look forward to with much cheer and anticipation

Hundreds of children from various children's home, contact points, railway stations and communities came to have a ball of a time.. Amidst balloons and streamers and other festivities, the kids also came up with some performances. Volunteers from colleges, organisations helped us in decoration, registration and logistics/work for the day. And if all of this wasn't enough to get their tummies rumbling, there were yummy treats and drinks and finally the dinner. For those who wanted to chill a bit and take a break from dancing to hard to bollywood music . There were also these various stalls for games, mehandi, face painting and tattoo.

We would like to acknowledge the support extended by Lite Bite Foods for providing snacks, drinks , dinner for 600 children and volunteers; NIIT and Fluor Daniel for transport, entertainment arrangements and all individual donors for their generous support and participation during the party.

10 Nov 2010

CHILDLINE Bus drive at New Delhi


CHILDLINE in association with GMR Varalakshmi Foundation organised CHILDLINE Bus outreach programme on November 9, 2010. Six proactive employees from GMR came on board as volunteers in the program to raise awareness on CHILDLINE and children issues. The aim was to create awareness on CHILDLINE to a greater audience specially youth in Delhi. CHILDLINE Bus drive started from GMR and picked up the children from New Udaan Bhawan, Indira Gandhi Airport, New Delhi.




CHILDLINE Bus was an opportunity to get together and create an aware culture towards child rights and protection said a volunteer from GMR. With this drive, the hope was that for each person who steps on this bus, a new 'dost' was made and the lives of many under-privileged children is being changed.
50 CHILDLINE volunteers also joined in and organized outreach at Jamia Millia Islamia, Lady Shri Ram College,and Delhi Haat. On November 9, 2010. The energetic group of volunteers landed at Jamia Millia Islamia university campus in Delhi. The event at Jamia Millia Islamia witnessed a large number of students who came forward to know about CHILDLINE 1098 service.

Students came forward to volunteer for the cause of children and pledged to call 1098 whenever they see a Child in distress. CHILDLINE city coordinator briefed people on types of cases received by CHILDLINE Delhi and the nature of intervention carried out by CHILDLINE.

The street play performed by the children from Don Bosco Ashalayam attracted large crowd. People from all walks of life came together and lighted the candles as a symbolic gesture of commitment to Child Protection. GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, a CSR unit of GMR extended their support by facilitating the programme.

8 Nov 2010

Suraksha Bandhan at Delhi


Police has been the premier agency from the state dealing with crime and criminal. The victim was just a witness in the criminal justice system with the primary focus being on the criminal. However, in the 21st century, the police slowly and steadily assumed many social responsibilities, be it for the socially backward, deprived senior citizens or the battered women in difficult situations. However, somehow the focus on children could not gain momentum till the coming into force of the Juvenile Justice Act 2000 came into force.






Even after the JJ Act the momentum of reforms and modifications in the criminal procedures adopted by the police came much later with amendment in 2006 and modal Juvenile Rules. In its endeavour to create the child friendly police upholding all the rights of a juvenile, Delhi Police has created the necessary child friendly infrastructure.

As a part of CHILDLINE se Dosti celebrations, CHILDLINE Delhi Organised Suraksha Bandhan on November 08, 2010 at Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla to honour the officials of the Delhi Police for their proactive role in child protection cases. For most calls to CHILDLINE 1098, the intervention requires facilitation from the police and response of the police personnel makes a crucial difference for children.
Suman Nalwa, Additional DCP Special juvenile Police unit addressed the gathering and shared her experiences of working with children and on issues of child protection. 

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Nalwa said that recognizing the role of police and need for greater sensitivity in handling matters concerning children, Delhi Police has launched various initiative in an endeavour to build a cadre of child-friendly police and child-friendly police stations across the city. The Juvenile justice system is based on the assumption that children because of their immaturity are less able to control their impulses and understand the seriousness and consequences of their actions. Further, it is poverty, inequality, lack of education and changing values that have left an impression on our young minds. CHILDLINE service makes a major difference to the child protection scenario in the country.
Nicole Menezes, Deputy Director, CIF briefed the audience about the CHILDLINE se dosti campaign and expressed the gratitude to the efforts of the Delhi Police. She also reiterated that CHILDLINE intend to make child protection everybody's concern.

"It crucial to sensitise the police force wherein each and every member of the force aware of the needs of the children and is effective in full implementation of the Juvenile Justice System in its letter and spirit. Delhi Police has come a long way to set an example for the Police through out the country." said Nicole Menezes.

Recognizing this need, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 continues to empower the police to come in contact with both categories of children- children in need of care and protection and juvenile in conflict with law. Within the Juvenile Justice System, the role of the police has been envisaged differently, which includes a child friendly approach, which has been envisaged as someone who is empathetic towards the child and listens and understands his or her problems, she added.

Praveen Nair, Director, Salaam Baalak Trust pointed out that during the year under review, CHILDLINE has intervened directly more than a 2500 cases and has rescued more than 400 children from Child Labour.

Varun Pathak, City Coordinator, CHILDLINE Delhi introduced the Police officers being honoured to the gathering. Representatives from various voluntary organizations were present during the occasion. Children from Shelter Homes and students from colleges across Delhi attended the programme.

The Policemen have always been CHILDLINE Dosts and have played a significant role in protecting the children. The event was an opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the Police as a gesture of CHILDLINE's appreciation for their continued commitment and support. CHILDLINE Delhi honoured 10 police personnel from Delhi and Suman Nalwa, Additional DCP, Delhi Juvenile Justice Police Unit during the occasion. The Participants pledged and showed their solidarity to work for the cause of children and make a difference to the life of exploited children.

NICP workshop gets policemen talking about experiences


Sneha Kupekar, Communication and Strategic Initiatives (CSI) Department

Mumbai, November 12: The National Initiative for Child Protection (NICP) workshop at Nirmala Niketan for sensitising the top officers of the Mumbai police force on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA); saw 50 officers take a day out from their schedule to participate. Resource persons drawn from the law, counseling and medical professions held the interest of the officers as they took them through the basics of the three pillars of Child Protection.

In the words of Ranjeet Chouguley, International Director, Networking and Legal Interventions & Prosecutions, Justice and Care who conducted the Law workshop, "You are the strategisers of the force. We know you do not deal with cases yourself, but through you we are hoping to reach the lower ranks. Together, we can make a world of difference to how children in this country are protected."
Naina Athale, Faculty Member, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) agreed. "There have been times when I conducted workshops that people have walked out saying such things do not happen in our communities. However, I am confident that this will not happen here as all present understand the gravity of the situation before us."

Starting with case studies and the use of art work to put children at ease, Athale helped participants broaden their horizon of what consists of sexual abuse. While many had dealt with cases of abuse, there was low awareness that exhibitionism and digital penetration could also attract punishment under law. The participants were then apprised of Section 294 through which perpetrators of obscene acts such as exhibitionism, songs and expressions in public places can be booked.

On the question of how to judge a case of abuse, Chouguley asked police officers to use only one parameter, "Always think would this be all right if it was my child? If the act is not right for your child then it is not right for anyone's child."

Contrary to the myth in society that only strangers abuse children and abusers are monsters who are immediately identifiable, Athale used research to show that most abuse happens within the family and that 75-80 per cent of abusers have average IQs and only 5-10 per cent are violent. The fact that many abusers employ grooming techniques for the children and often collaborate with law enforcement agencies came as a surprise to many in the audience.

Athale said, "Incest, pedophilia and sadism all come under the umbrella of CSA, though sadism can also be between husband and wife. Many a times I have come across fathers who have said that they felt it was better to teach their children about sexual issues themselves rather than they finding out through someone else. It is at times like these that it becomes clear that children are never responsible for the abuse they suffer and sexual abuse is never an act of love."

The participants also asked for clarity on the common age of consent, since different laws assign different ages for being considered as adults, with most agreeing that the common age should be 18 years. The draft law for CSA which is expected to be tabled in the winter session was also discussed.
Resource persons also stressed on the long term effects of abuse on children and their inability to give exact descriptions of abusers to law enforcement agencies and difficulties in remembering sequence of events.

Chouguley said, "It is important for the police to describe whatever they feel when they first meet the victims, whether the victim was scared, was facing a difficulty in talking etc. because the police play a crucial role in being the eyes and ears of the judge as they are the first people in contact with the victim."
Giving an example of a judge going out of her way to put a victim of abuse at ease, resource persons spoke of Justice Ranjana Desai of the Bombay High Court who created a series of parameters for a case to make the victim comfortable while giving testimony. "The accused was brought in to the back of the court and didn't stand in front of the victim. The advocate representing the accused had to submit the questions in advance which were asked by the judge, thereby freeing the victim from facing an agonizing cross examination," said Chouguley.

He further stressed on the importance of presenting a human face to the police force and changing people's perception that they have nothing to gain from registering a police complaint. "Please make the effort to file cases and book the offenders wherever possible. In most cases of obscene acts, the offender is simply beaten up or allowed to leave after a warning. It's important for fines to be slapped and cases to be filed, because till these acts do not hurt them financially offenders will not learn a lesson," he said to support from many officers.

On the question by a participant whether doctors are duty bound to disclose abuse, Dr. Pawan Sabale, Assistant Professor- Forensic department of Nair hospital said, "Doctors are not duty bound to disclose abuse, due to confidentiality issues. Many a times, the atmosphere in hospitals, the various formalities, curious looks by other patients deter victims from coming to hospitals in the first place."


Dr. Sabale also threw light on the psychological counseling and protocols and procedures followed during the medical examination of children. "Age is determined only after a battery of tests and abuse can be determined through vaginal, cervical smears and oral and rectal smears. It's best to conduct an exam within three days so that there is a high probability of evidence being found."

25 Oct 2010

A fun & frolic day to remember


On October 23, 2010, CHILDLINE in association with a group of volunteers from the NYK Group of Companies in Kolkata and CINI Asha visited two shelter homes. Twenty committed employees of NYK reached the designated shelter homes near Shealdah Railway Station to do their bit and help contribute to a better life for those less privileged than themselves. The bright eyed and innocent little boys were enthusiastic about the day. The hours just melted away as the NYK volunteers mingled with the enthusiastic kids for a story telling session, a presentation on health and hygiene, and a robust cricket match between two teams of boys which resulted in roaring laughter, tough competition and loads of fun.



The spirit of revelry soon gave way to a warm friendship and bonding between the children and adults. The balloon blowing competition saw the maximum number of participation from kids and the adults. The youngsters tugged at heartstrings of the NYK team by innocently asking to take them home and wanted a promise that would return the next day to share love with them. Some refused to be put down and a few sensitive ones were crying. As a token of love, the NYK team gifted the kids, DVDs, shuttle cock sets and a big bright football.

The team moved to the CINI Asha's girls shelter home "Amader Bari" to spend the afternoon with these girls. The pretty young girls put forth a graceful dance for the team and demonstrated their skill at the art of self defence with their Karate Teacher. The team bonded with the girls over games, a drawing competition and other activities. At the end of the programme, NIYK team members gave away the special gifts to all the children and the winners of games. The DVDs and game CDs were gifted to the homes for the benefit of the children.

8 Aug 2010

30 Children Rescued ! CHILDLINE Calicut prevents trafficking of Children


August 08, 2010: Calicut , Kerala. CHILDLINE Calicut rescued 22 girls and 8 boys from traffickers at Calicut Railway Station. Just after receiving the call about the Children, the CHILDLINE Calicut started the search for the Children and later found the children's at the railway station. 30 Children in the age group of 5-15 were brought from Ahmedabad on the Tirunelveli-Hapa Express that arrived at the Calicut city railway station. The case shows that strong and prompt networking and timely intervention by CHILDLINE Calicut has saved 30 children from trafficking.

  Phone rings and initiates intervention

On Saturday August 08, 2010, CHILDLINE Calicut received a call from social worker who informed that 30 children is coming Calicut at Thirunelveli- Happa Express. The caller was also traveling in the same train who suspected that the children and by standers didn't had proper documentation for traveling.

CHILDLINE in action

CHILDLINE team informed the City Police Commissioner about the issue. The Police official assured all support and arranged one Police Sub Inspector at Town Police station for further assistance.
CHILDLINE contacted town Police Sub Inspector and discussed comprehensive plan for the rescue operation. In a meanwhile, RPF Police and Kerala Railway Police were called for the assistance.
CHILDLINE made a visit to the Railway station on the next day and observed the arrangements. Tirunelveli Hapa Express arrived at Calicut Railway Station around 10.30 a.m. and about 30 children. They were brought by a seven-member team who got down at the station with the children.
Rescue of the Children
CHILDLINE team and Police shifted them to waiting room at Railway station. After a long interaction with them, CHILDLINE understood that it was without any legal documents they allegedly destined that they were taking the children to an orphanage at Vellimadukunnu . Some of the children showed their TC and Birth certificate.

CHILDLINE found that about 30 Children in the age group of 5-15 were brought from Ahmedabad, Gujarat on the Tirunelveli-Hapa Express that arrived at the Calicut city Railway station. Among the 30 children, there were 22 girls and 8 boys between the age group of five and fifteen. The Police handed over all the children to CHILDLINE. CHILDLINE team took the children to CHILDLINE centre with the Police help.

News spreads

The news on CHILDLINE rescue spread throughout the state. It received calls from many Journalist, Social Welfare Department, Higher officers, Social workers and parents, Social activists. Children were given counseling and team member collect the name, address and further details from the children at the part of documentation.

Restoration of Children

CHILDLINE contacted CWC and informed about the case and produced children to the CWC member. CWC member directed to arrange temporary shelter in Government Children's Home, Calicut .

On the next day CWC sitting was held at Children's Home, Calicut . CWC collected the statement from the Children and asked CHILDLINE to handover five children to their parents. 25 children were shifted to an orphanage at Wayanad District on temporary bases. The CWC also ordered a preliminary enquiry for probation officer and local Police.

The case has received very good media support and the stories on the rescue were well covered in The Hindu, Malayala Manorama daily, Indian Express and Kaumudi daily. The follow-up by the police is still going on and five of the children are living with the parents and other twenty five are in the orphanage. CHILDLINE is in contact with the Children.

14 Jul 2010

CHILDLINE India Foundation (CIF) and CHIDLINE 1098 in Advisory on crime against children


The role of the CHILDLINE India Foundation (CIF) and CHIDLINE 1098 were mentioned in the Advisory on crime against children issued by Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Joint Secretary to the Government of India, and Ministry of Home Affairs on July 14, 2010. It reads as "The local police must be advised to collaborate with the 'CHILDLINE-1098 Service' (which is an emergency service being operated by the Childline India Foundation (CIF) all over the country catering to the needs of children in emergency situations) and NGOs for mutual help and assistance wherever and whenever required."

4 Jul 2010

Abusive Orphanage - Keeper Arrested


CHILDLINE Kanyakumari rescues 32 children from physical and sexual assaults

July 4, 2010. Bujaperuvilai, Agatheeswaram. The owner of Arumai Packiam Immanual (API) orphanage was arrested by local police for physical and sexual abuse of the inmates of his orphanage. The FIR was filed by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), after CHILDLINE Kanyakumari rescued 32 children from the shelter home. The children included 14 boys and 18 girls, in the age bracket of three to 14 years.

Phone rings and initiates intervention

The operation began when on June 28, a mother of one of the inmates of the home called CHILDLINE and complained that in API orphanage around 40 children are housed in small rooms and the owner of the home, abuses the children both physically and sexually. She requested CHILDLINE to rescue the children from the home.

CHILDLINE's team immediately visited the home and confirmed the complaint. Initially, the children were scared to talk to them. However, the team persisted and builds a rapport with the kids to dig out information.

" The owner physically assaults them without sufficient reason and every day two or three children are taken to his house that is close to the orphanage and compel them to Massage him and abuse them sexually", the children later confessed to the CHILDLINE team members.

" The owner very often hugs them and touches them at places that are sensitive and if not cooperated he assaults them ", a girl further complained.

Since, the parents were not allowed to meet the kids, they were not able to complaint to them and hence requested CHILDLINE to rescue them from the home.



CHILDLINE in action

The rescue operation began by drafting a report based on the intervention, which on June 30, the CHILDLINE Coordinator C Queen, submitted personally to the District Collector and Chairman of CHILDLINE Advisory Board. The copies of the report were also handed to District Social Welfare Officer (DWDO), District Superintendent of Police (DSP), CWC, Tirunelveli and Inspector Anti Human Trafficking Wing (IAHTW), Nagercoil, requesting a suitable action to rescue the children in distress.-

Children rebel against the torture

On July 3, three children unable to bear the torture, came out from the home and went to complaint to South Thamaraikulam police. The police informed the Home owner to take the boys back.
As, later informed by the warden of the orphanage, the owner went to the police station to bring them to back and allegedly started assaulting them all through the way from the police station to the Home. And, later struck them with chairs and hit the boys on the walls in which the boys sustained injuries .He also shunted the warden out from home for complaining to CHILDLINE


At this she contacted 1098 and informed about the torture and requested immediate rescue of children who are in distress. CHILDLINE instantaneously informed DSWO and IAHTW, who without delay visited the Home and arranged for the police protection to the children for the night.

CHILDLINE also informed CWC Tirunelveli, Sahila Banu, Superintendent Government Reform Home about the incident and requested help to rescue the children.

All the 32 children from the home were rescued and presented to CWC. The District collector appreciated CHILDLINE's efforts and initiatives.