Chennai, July 09: The Chennai Police have mounted vigil on school campuses, parks and areas where children gather following reports of child abuse. Though the initiative is also to avert abduction of children and child labour, the focus is mainly on child abuse, a senior police official said.
Confirming that there was information on abuse of girl children in vulnerable areas, Joint Commissioner of Police (North) N.K. Senthamarai Kannan said steps had been taken to sensitise parents and teachers to safety aspects.
“We have asked Deputy Commissioners of Police to convene a meeting of parents, teacher and students in their respective areas and enlighten them on basic security measures to be taken at home and school. A couple of NGOs are also being roped in to create awareness of how abuse of girl child can be prevented,” he said.
Mr. Kannan said it was the responsibility of the parents and teachers to observe any behavioral changes among children. Checking the antecedents and ensuring the identity of van/autorickshaw drivers (engaged to transport children) and regular interaction with children on the day’s activity in school or play area was imperative, he said, adding that the first meeting of parents, teachers and students would be held in a week.
The surveillance to ensure child safety has also helped in rescuing children engaged as labourers in eateries. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Flower Bazaar) T.S. Anbu said more than 10 children found working in hotels and roadside eateries were rescued and sent to the Government Home for the Children. “We have deployed woman police in plainclothes to keep a watch on school campuses and parks,” he said.
Police enhanced vigil on school campuses after two school-going boys were kidnapped for ransom a few months ago. While one student was kidnapped when he was returning home from school, the other was forced into a car when he was going to tuition.
The two were rescued unhurt by the police later.