GUWAHATI: The death of a 14-year-old girl employed as a domestic worker, has raised serious questions about the treatment of such people and the investigation by police. The incident occurred on May 13, 2024, under the Bharalumukh Police Station area in Guwahati.
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The girl's mother, Bobi Jadav, informed the Assam Centre for Rural Development (ACRD) that her daughter had been employed for nearly two years by a family residing in Santipur. The parents initially withdrew her from the job after discovering that she had been working for a year without receiving any payment. However, the employers persuaded them to send her back, promising Rs 10,000 per month. Instead, Soni was paid only Rs 2,000 monthly in cash.
On May 13, Bobi received a call informing her that her daughter had sustained burns. When she reached the employer’s residence, she found her critically injured. She was first taken to Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) and then transferred to Nemcare Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of May 14.
The parents have expressed doubts over the circumstances surrounding her death while alleging foul play. They claim she had no prior history of mental health issues and was a cheerful child. Despite this, the police initially did not register their complaint.
Bobi alleged intimidation from the employers, who warned them against pursuing legal action. She and her husband suspect that their daughter was killed, a claim supported by ACRD, which has been assisting the family.
Delays and Discrepancies in Investigation
According to ACRD, Bharalumukh Police Station officials registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case on July 25, more than two months after the incident. However, discrepancies in the case have emerged. For instance, the police’s ejahar (FIR) reportedly states that the girl was declared dead at GMCH, omitting her transfer to Nemcare Hospital.
Soni’s father was informed by GMCH staff that the post-mortem report had already been handed over to the investigating officer, contradicting police claims that they were still awaiting the report.
In a letter to the DGP and ADGP, ACRD Executive Director Prerna Changkakati has appealed for a thorough investigation. “The family deserves answers and accountability. There are inconsistencies in the police’s handling of the case that need to be addressed,” Changkakati stated.
The post-mortem report concluded that the death was caused by shock from antemortem flame burns. A toxicological examination found no traces of poison, and serology reports confirmed the presence of human blood but no semen.
The incident has sparked concerns about the lack of legal protection for child domestic workers and the delayed response by authorities.
However, talking to GPlus, an official from Bharalumukh Police station said, "We are actively investigating the case, but two of the individuals involved are currently absconding."
