WEDNESDAY, MAY 08, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: In a harrowing incident, the Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR), Peter F Borges, was allegedly brutally assault and threatened by a juvenile offender, at the Apna Ghar Complex, in Mapusa on Friday. The attack left Borges with injuries to his head and stomach.
After returning home, the shaken Chairperson penned an urgent letter to the Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, North Goa, expressing grave concern over the recurring nature of these attacks and the pervasive atmosphere of fear within the Apna Ghar Complex.
The letter called for decisive action to ensure the safety of staff and residents, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the offender's behaviour and immediate measures to address the security risks.
In the letter, Borges recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that during his preliminary assessment of a juvenile in conflict with the law, he endured relentless physical assaults from another juvenile offender residing in the complex. Despite interventions by authorities, this individual repeatedly approached, placing Borges' safety and well-being in jeopardy on three occasions.
The severity of the attacks was alarming, with Borges being kicked, struck with an object on his forehead, and enduring threats against his life and family's safety. "The deliberate act of obstructing my exit while wielding a stone for a considerable period underscores the gravity of this situation," he wrote.
Borges emphasised that these incidents were not isolated, as similar assaults have targeted numerous staff members in the past. "The prevailing atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the complex is intolerable and necessitates immediate action. It is evident that all children in need of care and protection are enduring constant fear within the complex," the letter stated.
In a statement to O Heraldo, the Chairperson reiterated the urgency of separating institutions to guarantee the safety and welfare of both children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection. "Co-habitation poses a significant threat, jeopardising their fundamental rights. Children in conflict with the law demand specialised services that cater to their distinct needs and circumstances."
In conclusion, the letter called for a comprehensive evaluation of the juvenile offender's conduct and the implementation of appropriate measures to establish a secure environment within the Apna Ghar Complex. It highlighted the pressing need to address the security risks and ensure the well-being of all individuals residing or working within the facility.
