HC rap for three north districts

TT, Calcutta, Jan. 27: The division bench of Calcutta High Court headed by the Acting Chief Justice came down heavily on the authorities of three north Bengal districts of #Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar today for not giving enough attention to prevent child trafficking and child marriage and protect children's rights.

The division bench issued an order asking the superintendents of police, district child protection officers and the in charge of district Children Welfare Committees to file separate affidavits by February 24 stating the measures taken regarding these issues. The next hearing is on March 10.

"It is surprising that police administration and officers responsible for protecting rights of children in the districts are not taking measures to stop such criminal activities," Acting Chief Justice Nishita Nirmal Mhatre said. 

"I have information that many children have been lifted by criminals from tea gardens of these districts. But what steps the police have taken in this regard?"

State counsel Asim Ganguly said: "The police are very active and have taken all possible steps to control such incidents. If the court asks, I am ready to file an affidavit stating what steps police have taken till date to combat the issues."

Justice Mhatre then said: "Whatever you say, this court is not satisfied.... All SPs are directed to file separate affidavits on or before February 24 stating the details of the steps they and their departments have taken to eradicate these menaces from the districts."