A six-year-old migrant girl was reportedly tied to a staircase and beaten by an ex-serviceman in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Monday. He allegedly did so as punishment for plucking guavas from his garden
Videos of the incident, reportedly recorded by passersby, spread widely on social media and sparked public outrage, drawing the attention of the administration. The child was later rescued and taken for a medical examination, officials added.
The ex-serviceman, accused of assaulting the girl while she remained tied to the stairs of his house on Sunday, has been called for questioning by the police and the Child Welfare Committee. Another video has also surfaced in which he is seen apologising for his actions.
Police said the administration acted swiftly after the video went viral online. Following this, a case was registered and an investigation was initiated. The incident came to notice when Rohit Jaswal, a Merchant Navy captain, was passing through the area. He noticed the young girl tied to a staircase inside a house and immediately stepped in to help.
Jaswal reportedly asked the ex-serviceman to release the child, but the man refused to do so. Later, some local youths recorded videos showing the girl still tied inside the house, police said.
One of the videos shows the man defending his actions, claiming the girl was being punished for “stealing” guavas. The child can be heard crying and pleading with the person recording the video to rescue her.
The footage surfaced on Sunday and triggered widespread anger among the public. Jaswal eventually managed to rescue the girl and safely escorted her back home. He also informed the police and Child Helpline authorities immediately, officials said.
When the Child Helpline team reached the spot, the ex-serviceman apologised for his behaviour. The child was then taken to the Regional Hospital in Una for a medical checkup.
Police said the matter is being treated seriously. Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal and Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath have issued instructions for prompt and strict action.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Police said a detailed investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
In another video that surfaced on Monday, the accused ex-serviceman is heard apologising again. He admits to tying up the child and says he was not thinking clearly at the time. He also stated that he would not repeat such mistake in the future.
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