The police in Palwal, Haryana, have filed a case against 10 family members for allegedly torturing and confining a 12-year-old Dalit Minor for several hours after accusing him of theft, according to the Hindustan Times. The incident occurred on the night of December 10. So far, one person arrested, while three main suspects are under investigation.
10 family members arrested for torturing Dalit Minor
The family members face charges of intentionally causing harm and illegal confinement. They also charged under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act and the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection of Children Act.
Police said the family allegedly tied the boy’s limbs and repeatedly shocked him with electricity. The minor informed investigators that he also experienced sexual abuse from the family. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital for burn injuries.
Next Court hearing on 8 January
The Dalit Minor boyhelps his family by carrying lights during wedding processions. On December 10, he was returning home to Banchari village from Hodal town near Palwal with two other children when a car, allegedly carrying drunk individuals, began chasing them around 11:30 pm.
The boy told the police he tried to escape by jumping into the yard of a house while the other children ran back to the village. The family living in the house caught him, suspecting he was a thief, and assaulted him. They called the police hours later.
The three main suspects who are evading arrest filed anticipatory bail petitions on Monday. A hearing in the sessions court scheduled was postponed after a medical report on the minor’s injuries was presented, according to the Hindustan Times. The case will be heard again on January 8.
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