Tension gripped the Government Observation Home for Boys in Kellys on Monday afternoon for sometime, after over 35 inmates escaped from the home reportedly following a clash between two groups on the premises. Nearly two hours later, four of them returned and slashed their neck with sharp objects to escape disciplinary action. By the end of the day, 29 of the boys who ran away returned to the home.
According to police officers and parents of some inmates, trouble had been brewing for the past two days because of growing unrest between the two groups of inmates. There are nearly 75 children accommodated there, and they are housed on the first and second floor.
“They formed themselves into groups. While one wanted to escape, the other group did not support the idea. There have been constant arguments over this among the two groups. On Monday afternoon, around 11.45 a.m., the two groups clashed. The juveniles reportedly damaged the CCTV control room on the premises. The window grill, fans, and tube lights were smashed. Around seven boys were injured in the incident,” said a police source.
Using this opportunity, 35 inmates broke open the grill door and made their way to the terrace. “We heard commotion and we saw a few boys scaling the wall in the backyard. They helped a few other inmates and all of them jumped out. They reportedly jumped into the Otteri Nullah and escaped,” said the parent of a juvenile.
A posse of policemen was deployed on the premises soon after the clash. Ambulances with paramedics were rushed to the home to treat the injured. Anxious parents demanded to know the status of their children.
Around 2.30 p.m., four boys who had escaped returned. However, fearing action from police and home authorities, they tried to cut their neck and hands with sharp objects. “They suffered superficial injuries and were provided treatment immediately,” said a police source.
The Secretariat Colony police have registered a case and are searching for the rest of the juveniles who fled the home. “Usually, they return to their hometown. We will nab them soon,” said a police officer.
Meanwhile, parents said when they visited the home two days ago, the staff advised them to visit again. “They told me that the situation was tense inside and told us to leave the place. My son has been complaining about torture from the older boys in the home. They used to hit him with soap and other objects,” said Sridevi (name changed), a parent.
