In a deeply disturbing incident in the national Capital, three men were arrested on Tuesday for assaulting and humiliating a nine-year-old at the popular Sarojini Nagar market in southwest Delhi. The minor, a Class 3 student, was allegedly accused of theft and subjected to degrading treatment by shopkeepers in the market.
The video of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the minor being physically abused and publicly humiliated by the accused. One man can be seen holding the visibly frightened minor by his hands and an unclasped belt, while another pours water into the minor’s pants. As the child cries and pleads for mercy, the accused shopkeepers continue to verbally abuse him. In a particularly cruel moment, liquid soap is sprayed on the boy’s hair. Another man can be seen poking the boy with his foot while hurling abuses.
The victim’s mother, a Nepali national who works as a cook in the Sarojini Nagar market area, had no idea her child would be subjected to such abuse while she was at work. According to police officials, the boy had gone to the market and was accused of stealing by the shopkeepers. Instead of informing the authorities or his parents, the three men took the law into their own hands.
Taking swift action after the video went viral, the Delhi Police arrested the three accused - Pankaj (35), who owns a readymade garments stall in the market, and his two helpers Pradeep Kumar (29) and Vishal (30). All three have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act (which relates to cruelty towards children), and Section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said, “The child was subjected to extreme humiliation and physical abuse. One of the men held him tightly by his hands and belt, while another poured water into his pants. Yet another man kicked him and abused him.
The entire episode was recorded and shared online.”
Police have confirmed that the child has been safely handed over to his family and is being given counselling and psychological support. Authorities are also working with the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) to ensure the child’s welfare in the aftermath of the trauma.
The video has triggered a wave of condemnation on the cruel action by the accused men.
The police have arrested the three men and further investigation is underway in the case, police said.