Mumbai: To ensure better treatment for a 10-year-old victim of sexual assault, the city police has shifted the victim to a private hospital. The medical expenses will be borne by the State government.
The victim, a resident of Nagpada, had complained to her parents last month that the Imam of her madrassa had sexually assaulted her on October 9. Her parents approached JJ Marg police station, where an FIR was registered under the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act against the accused, Imam Abdullah Naji (50), on October 14. Mr. Naji, however, evaded arrest but was apprehended on October 25.
Police officers said the sexual assault had left the girl, who was admitted to JJ Hospital, with severe physical injuries and a fair amount of psychological damage. Based on this, a decision was taken to try and provide better care for her at the government’s expense. “We approached our superiors with the idea and sought permission from the District Collector’s office and the Charity Commissioner. These were immediately granted, and we shifted her to Saifee Hospital on Thursday,” an officer at JJ Marg police station said. The police have also collected contributions from local residents for the victim’s family.
JCP (Law and Order) Deven Bharti said, “Crimes against minors are always treated with the utmost sensitivity and seriousness. We do everything we can to ensure the victim’s welfare. The JJ Marg police’s action is what we strive to deliver in such cases, and the government provides whatever we ask for.”
