05 November,2016 09:19 AM IST | | Asif Rizvi and Anurag Kamble
In yet another case of serious security lapse in a children's home of the city, three kids have gone missing from the New Children Home in Chembur. Police are of the opinion that security lapses have led to the incident
New Children Home in Chembur from where three kids have gone missing
New Children Home in Chembur from where three kids have gone missing
In yet another case of serious security lapse in a children's home of the city, three kids have gone missing from the New Children Home in Chembur. Around six months ago, police had rescued them from suburban railway stations, where they used to work as labourers. The authorities of the centre have filed a complaint with Trombay police. The cops are trying to trace the location of the kids.
Security lapse
"The authorities of the children's home came to know on October 28 that the children were missing. An FIR under section 363 (kidnapping) of IPC has been filed in the matter. Investigations revealed that there were serious security lapses on the part of the centre. Attempts are being made to locate the children," said Annasaheb Sonur, senior police inspector of Trombay police station.
Another official from the police station said, "The place where the children were kept does not have proper fencing. It has a lot of open space and the boundary walls are quite low. Moreover, though there are seven security guards, they work in shifts. Two are present at a time at the premises to keep a watch on the children. Over the last 10 months, 12 children have gone missing."
Guards not vigilant enough
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior official of the home said, "The incident happened around 7 pm on October 27. As renovation work was going on at the premises, the security guards were busy monitoring it. The children must have taken advantage of the situation and escaped. The matter came to light the following morning. Thereafter, the staff members were questioned and the surrounding area searched. But as the children could not be found, the matter was reported to police." Administrative officer of the children's home, Bapusaheb Bhavane said, "I am aware of the incident. The superintendent of the home has informed the police and the child welfare committee."
