Nagpur parents go to work, chain 12-yr-old 'habitual thief' at home

NAGPUR: A 12-year-old boy was allegedly chained and locked by his daily-wager parents in Nagpur for several hours a day over two months amid claims that he was an inveterate cellphone thief.

The school dropout was finally rescued Friday following a tip-off by teams from Maharashtra govt's women and child development dept and the police. He has been shifted to a govt home for children.

"He was standing on a bucket when the rescue team reached his place. His parents used to tie him at 9am daily before going to work," said a source, adding the injuries from being tied were at least 2 to 3 months old.

According to the source, the boy had behavioural problems. "Ajni police station was alerted about the boy's behaviour. The parents got hassled over his wrongdoings, especially theft," the source added.

The parents had discontinued the boy's education.

A medical examination confirmed injuries on the child's hands and legs caused by chains and ropes, along with signs of potential mental and physical trauma. The case will be presented before a Child Welfare Committee. Police are investigating the matter under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.