A government employee has been detained by Kohima police for allegedly beating up a nine-year-old boy, whom he was keeping as a domestic helper. The accused, identified as one Wapang L Imsong , is said to be serving as LDA-cum-computer operator under 10 IR Battalion, Zhadima and currently attached to Police Engineering Project (PEP) at the state police headquarters in Kohima.

The case came to light after the Konyak Students’ Union, Kohima (KSUK) issued a press release condemning the physical abuse on the minor, who is said to be from the Konyak community.

The KSUK, in an official statement on Thursday expressed its shock by the “inhuman behavior” exhibited by Imsong towards a minor who is at an age where he needs nurturing and support and deserves a safe and secure environment for proper upbringing and wellbeing.

KSUK president N Bangyoh Naam told Nagaland Tribune that after learning about the physical abuse, he along with his executive members visited the victim and came to know that the minor got hurt while getting punished by his guardian due to matters relating to his studies. The young victim is said to have deep bruises on his calf, hands, back and head.

He said the victim had informed the union that he was not assaulted regularly but only when he neglected his studies. However, the KSUK maintained that acts of disciplining and physical abuse is different, and the bruises on the minor boy looked more of abuse.

The union stated to have contacted Childline and the victim is currently under their care.

It has been learnt that a first information report (FIR) has been filed at North Police Station Kohima.

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“This is a serious violation of child rights, governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. It also violates Right to Live, Article 21 of the Indian Constitution,” the KSUK stated, demanding that the competent authority take the appropriate legal action against Imsong and ensure that justice is delivered to the victim without delay. Asserting that it would not rest until justice is served, the KSUK reminded that such a mentality holds no place in a civilized society and further urged upon every right-thinking citizen to condemn such inhuman acts and take appropriate steps to rescue such children in need.

Police sources confirmed that the accused has been apprehended and a case is registered but no further details could be availed at the time of filing of this report.

Meanwhile, KSUK president said the union does not encourage sending children to live as domestic helpers. The union has been working for a long time to mitigate this issue from grassroots level but it has become like a menace to control such issues .

“KSUK is appalled to learn how these children, specifically underage kids are sent off to live as domestic help while the Union has placed strict rules for the same and also passed many resolutions time and again. It is only during such incidents that we get to know that the children are living as domestic help,” the president added .