Want to live, study in Kerala, says young Assamese girl who safely returned to Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: The young Assamese girl returned to Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday after travelling from Visakhapatnam. She was seen joyfully dressed in a yellow frock she received as a gift, wearing a mask, with her hair neatly combed and tied. Her journey was accompanied by police officers including SI Ranjith, CPOs including woman police officer Chinnu, and Sheethal, who travelled with her in the AC compartment of the Kerala Express.

The girl, who had left home in Kazhakootam, was escorted to Thiruvananthapuram railway station amidst a group of policemen. Following instructions from DySP Niaz, the girl was safely brought out after the passenger rush subsided. Shaniba Begum, Chairperson of Child Welfare Committee (CWC), was present at the station to take custody of the girl and presented a letter to the DySP regarding the child’s custody. Her parents and siblings were not present for the proceedings.

During the train journey, the girl expressed her desire to live and study in Kerala. The police noted that the circumstances of leaving her family, along with the travel, had been stressful for her. SI Ranjith mentioned that the girl spoke mainly in Hindi. She was brought back with new clothes and gifts from the Malayali Association.

The police boarded the Kerala Express  with the child from Visakhapatnam on Saturday night. SI Ranjith also said that the girl's parents were contacted by phone. Although the police team had travelled on duty for cases before, they described this experience as unique.

A hearing is scheduled at the CWC on Monday at 11:45 am, where the parents will be present to discuss the situation. A decision regarding the child's future will be made after hearing from both the parents and the child. Shaniba Begum assured that the allegations of mistreatment and forced labour would be thoroughly investigated.

The family, originally from Assam and residing in Kerala, has indicated that they may want to return home following the incident. However, efforts will be made to discuss the possibility of them reconsidering the decision.

The girl was housed at the CWC home in Visakhapatnam until Saturday evening. CWC workers in Thiruvananthapuram maintained close communication with them to expedite her transfer. Under the direction of ADGP M. R. Rajith Kumar, coordinated efforts were made with Andhra Police to ensure her safe return.