PEDDAPALLI: Child Rights Protection Commission has ordered an inquiry into the suicide by a 14-year-old girl child Jyothi, who was adopted by a couple S. Mallesh and Sandhya.
Following the order issued by commission chairman Srinivas Rao, an inquiry team has already visited the couple’s residence in Ashoknagar area of Godavarikhani.
It is being widely alleged that Jyothi had committed suicide by hanging herself after constant harassment by her adopted parents. The accusation has also been made by Balala Hakkula Sangham, which works for protection of children’s rights.
Members of the commission inquired about these charges after meeting locals, Jyothi’s friends and her classmates. They came to know that the teenager had narrated to them various incidents of her harassment by her adopted parents. Apparently, Jyothi had even complained to officials of the Child Welfare Department in the area, following which they counselled her parents Mallesh and Sandhya.
Commission members pointed out that as per rules, once a child is given in adoption, officials must carry out post-adoptive follow ups and monitor the welfare of the adopted child. If the officials have been negligent in doing so, action can be taken up against them as per law.
Meanwhile, Godavarikhani One Town circle inspector P. Ramesh said that they have already registered a case against Mallesh and his wife. They have arrested and produced them before a court, which has remanded them to police custody for 14 days.
Those who conducted inquiry into the suicide include Child Rights Protection Commission members Brundadar Rao and Shobarani, Child Protection and Development officer Swarupa and One Town assistant sub-inspector Venkateshwarlu.
