Three minor children from a Scheduled Caste community were allegedly beaten, abused and humiliated in Madhya Pradesh’s Singrauli district after being accused of stealing motor pumps. The children, aged between 12 and 15, allegedly had half the hair on their heads shaved during the incident on October 1.
According to their families, the children were held against their will from around 9 am to 4 pm and subjected to physical assault and humiliation. The allegations are yet to be independently verified.
The incident has reportedly left the children frightened, with their families saying they are afraid to leave home and have stopped attending school due to fears of further harassment.
The families have demanded action against those responsible and protection for the children.
Children Allegedly Tied to Tree and Beaten
A 13-year-old victim alleged that he was falsely implicated in a motor pump theft. He said he had gone to collect his mother’s clothes when a man named Buddha Singh Gond told him he would take him somewhere.
According to the child, he was instead taken towards a forest, where he was questioned about the alleged theft and beaten.
The child accused Buddha Singh Gond and Govind Singh of assaulting him. He further alleged that Govind Singh tied him to a tree, beat him and shaved part of his hair.
The allegations against the named individuals have not been independently confirmed.
The families have also alleged that the children were subjected to caste-based abuse and publicly humiliated in the village.
Families Allege Police Did Not Hear Complaint
The children’s families said they approached Bargawan police station to report the incident but were not heard. They subsequently approached the Superintendent of Police’s office and the Ajak police station.
They have demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged assault, unlawful confinement, shaving of the children’s hair and caste-based abuse.
The families said the incident had affected the children’s mental well-being and education. They want the authorities to ensure the children’s safety so they can return to school without fear.
The names of Govind Singh, Balram Singh, Indrabhan Singh and Harinarayan Bais have surfaced in connection with the allegations. Their alleged roles remain subject to police investigation.
SP Orders Investigation Into Allegations
Singrauli Superintendent of Police Shiaj KM said the children had been accused of stealing motor pumps and that villagers had caught them before handing them over to the police.
The SP also said an agreement had been reached between the two parties on October 1.
However, following the families’ subsequent allegations of assault, humiliation, hair shaving and caste-based abuse, the SP directed the Bargawan police station in-charge to investigate the matter.
He said legal action would be taken against those concerned if the allegations were established during the investigation.
