No official came to visit us, complains mother

Ravi Chandel

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 11

While the Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has taken note of the alleged police torture of 12-year-old Lakhwinder Singh, neither the district administration officials nor political leaders of SAD and the Congress have paid a visit to the victim at Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital here.

Among the political leaders, only AAP MLA Rupinder Kaur Ruby is the prominent face to have met the boy at the hospital.

Victim’s mother Amandeep Kaur confirmed that none of the administration officials, not even the district child and protection officer (DCPO), had come to inquire about the condition of her son.

Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra refuted the allegations. He said, “The administration has responded to the situation and action is being initiated against the police personnel allegedly involved in it.”

District legal provision officer (DLPO) Rajwinder Singh said, “Today, we visited the hospital as part of the legal procedure. Besides, the victim’s mother conducted a press conference, instead of reporting the case to the DCPO. We got to know about the incident through the media.”

District social security officer Naveen Gadwal admitted that they haven’t visited the hospital, but said they would be there tomorrow.

He also said that they would make arrangements for the safety and security of the family.

Later, it came to light that DCPO Ravneet Kaur Sidhu is on maternity leave. District programme officer (DPO) Rakesh Walia could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

SMO Sukhjinder Singh Gill said, “As per the direction of the state child rights commission, we have made the medical report of the child. Our officials will personally submit the report to the panel chairman tomorrow.”