Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 03, 2008 News
Police at the Vigilance Police Station last night released the mother of a 14-year-old mentally challenged girl who was shackled in her home at Bare Roots, East Coast Demerara, amidst allegation that the child was sexually assaulted by her stepfather.
The child’s mother was held and questioned yesterday by detectives and officials from the Welfare Department about the allegations made by her daughter.
But according to a source, a decision was taken to release the woman after it was ascertained that she had three other under-aged children to care for.
The child’s stepfather remains in custody and is expected to face the courts soon. Police say that it is likely that he will face sexual assault charges.
Neighbours and police on Wednesday rescued the teenaged girl who was shackled with a chain and padlock after she tried to runaway from home to escape alleged sexual abuse by her stepfather.
The child, who was locked in her home at Bare Roots, Bachelor’s Adventure on the East Coast of Demerara has since been handed over to the welfare department of the Ministry of Human Services.
This newspaper had received a call from public spirited persons in the area highlighting the plight of the child.
When Kaieteur News arrived in the village the shackles were already removed from the child’s foot and hand and she was in the care of concerned neighbours until the police arrived to take her away.
According to residents, the child’s mother who works in the sugar industry was at work and the child was left at home with her stepfather.
However, she took the opportunity to flee the home when her stepfather left her alone for a while.
A police patrol in the area was summoned and they instructed the child’s stepfather to remove the shackles from the child.
Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand when contacted by this newspaper said that her ministry is grateful that the plight of the child was brought to its attention.
She explained that it is now up to the police to investigate the allegations that the child is making.
“We are happy that this has been brought to our attention. This is evidence that our campaign of ‘every citizen is a child protector’ is working. It is only if every person is aware of their duty that our campaign will continue to be successful,” Minister Manickchand told this newspaper.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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