Boy rescued from abusive father in Pathanamthitta

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Pathanamthitta has rescued a 12-year-old boy who was subjected to severe physical assault by his father.

According to Peroor Sunil, Chairman of the CWC in Pathanamthitta, the boy is at present at a shelter home for boys managed by the committee. A decision on granting his custody to his mother will be taken on October 31.

“The boy’s parents had separated several years ago, after which he had been living with his father. His mother is employed in Israel,” Mr. Sunil said.

The police said the child had endured extreme torture, including being burned with a hot spatula and having his head smashed against a wall. “The CWC had been trying to rescue him for the past few years, but the boy was not cooperating. A few days ago, he finally ran away from home after locking his father inside. Following this, Childline volunteers were deployed to rescue him. During counselling, the boy revealed the details of the abuse he had suffered,” an officer said.

Based on the victim’s statement, a case has been registered at the Pathanamthitta women’s police station under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The CWC has also served a notice to the father to appear for a hearing.