 | Saved: Thippeswamy was rescued from Sarojadevi’s house (right) in J P Nagar
VI Phase pic/satish b |
The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has filed a case of child labour against a development officer of the ST/SC Corporation.
Sarojadevi reportedly employed a 10-year-old boy for her household chores. According to CWC volunteers, she mentally and physically harassed the boy.
Yesterday, Sarojadevi lodged a police complaint against 10-year-old Thippeswamy, accusing him of stealing valuables worth Rs 2.5 lakh. However, her neighbours rubbished her allegation and said she was trying to cover her tracks.
They said Sarojadevi would make the boy slog the entire day and abuse him for small lapses.
Fast move
“Sarojadevi lodged a complaint, saying the little boy stole valuables. It seems like a desperate move to divert our attention from the investigation,” said P N Basavaraju, CWC member.
Thippeswamy, who hails from Edeguddadahalli in Arasikere taluk, has been working as a domestic help in Sarojadevi’s house in J P Nagar VI Phase for over six months. A third standard dropout, he had come to visit Sarojadevi, who is a distant relative, along with his grandmother.
Rescue operation
Based on the neighbours’ complaint, a team of volunteers from Makkala Sahaya Vani went to Sarojadevi’s house and rescued the boy.
He was later produced before the CWC.
“We have recorded the boy’s statement and filed a complaint against Sarojadevi. There are 21 charges against her under the Juvenile Justice Act. We hope the police takes strong action against her,” Basavaraju added. | 
