Rescue of Devadasi: Arrogant DySP threatens child rights panel members
- Members of child rights protection and child welfare panel were threatened with FIR by DySP
- They were in Chittapur to investigate a case where a girl was rescued from being pushed into Devadasi system
- The police officer has now been summoned by the KSCRPC to appear before it on June 22
FollowIn a shocking incident, Kalaburagi deputy superintendent of police, Mahesh Megannavar has threatened to file an FIR against the child rights panel and child welfare committee members who went to investigate the case where a girl was rescued from being pushed into Devadasi system, last week. The Karnataka State Child Rights Protection Commission (KSCRPC) has now issued a summons to the officer seeking his explanation on June 22.
It may be recalled here that a 10-year-old girl from Chittapur taluk of the district was rescued from her own parents who were pushing her to the Devadasi system. The police have arrested her parents and also Sharanappa, a priest of Samavva temple at Mavinsur village in the taluk. Devadasi system is banned in the state however, it is secretly practised in some parts of the state.
After the case was reported in a section of the media, the KSCRPC filed a suo motu case and formed a committee to investigate the case. However, the members were shocked when they received a summons by the DySP to appear before him. While the rescue team should have received a support from the district police for their effort, the DySP Megannavar - instead - has threatened to file FIR.
A CRPC official told Newsable that the police officer was arrogant enough to summon the members who exposed the case to his office and question the "veracity" of their claims. When the members went to meet DySP Megannavar he made them to wait for over six hours. Not just that, after the committee members made their submission, he intimidated them for having gone ahead with the investigation. "You all have no right to investigate. I can file FIR against you all," the police officer threatened them. The members who have recorded the whole conversation have promptly submitted to the CRPC chairperson Kripa Amar Alva who has now issued summons against the police officer.
The officer is expected to appear before the court on June 22 at 4 pm in Bengaluru and clarify his stand. The brazenness with which the police officer threatened the members of constitutionally formed panel has raised questions whether an attempt is being made to bury the case.
*Picture for representation purpose only
