Fleeing inmates cast shadow over children's home security

KOCHI: The children's home, run by the social justice department at Kakkanad, has again proved that it is no longer serving the purpose of being a correctional institution. In a span of three days, seven children ­ four girls and three boys ­ managed to escape the facility, though the police managed to trace all but one from the group.

While four girls escaped around 8.30pm on Saturday , the boys were reported missing from the observation home, operating in the same premises, early on Monday.

Sources said that the girls, aged below 18, had escaped from the first floor of the building using a bed sheet and sari. The police had a tough time chasing them and finally the group was caught on Sunday night after they had taken a tour of

Munnar

. On the other hand, the three boys managed to steal two motorcycles and escaped. While two of them were caught, one is still on the run with the stolen motorcycle.

“There have been repeated instances of trespassing at the facility as miscreants scaled the compound by climbing the wall at the rear end.The four girls had gone to Munnar and we have no idea how they managed to meet their travel expenses.The girls were taken back to children's home after a medical examination,“ said Thrikkakara SI Shaju AN.

In August 2014, four girls had run away from the facility allegedly after senior inmates forced them to have `physical relation'. Sources said that there had been instances of SIM cards, mobile phones and CDs being seized from the girls staying here. As of now, around 40 girls are staying at the facility.

“Two of the boys were caught near

Menaka

early on Tuesday with amotorcycle. The third boy is still at large with another stolen bike. All three boys are repeat offenders,“ said Shaju. Cases have been registered at

Infopark

and Central police stations regarding the stolen bikes.

Such escapes have also raised concerns on the level of security at care homes. Also, some important posts are remaining vacant at the facility. “The post of a superintendent is vacant, he is the person in charge of our security . As of now, a child development project officer is doubling up as a superintendent, which is inadequate. There has to be a senior officer present at the home 24 hours a day to ensure safety and discipline,“ said a senior care home official on condition of anonymity.

Representatives of district child welfare committee said that they were waiting for a positive gesture from the minister of social justice, the director of social justice department and the district collector who were informed about safety concerns.

“A meeting was recently held to discuss the issues and we have sought police protection until vacant posts are filled. A requisition has been made to the director of the department to fill the post of the superintendent. Also, inmates of the observation home for boys will be shifted to a new building,“ said district social justice officer Preethi Wilson.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.