Three-year-old girl continues to languish in jail

Kendrapara, Nov 21(UNI) Child rights activists across the world campaign for the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2000, meant for protecting and promoting the rights of a child, but defying all norms, Kandhei continues to live behind the bars.

Three-year-old Kandhei has remained confined within the four walls of the Kendrapara sub-jail with her father, grandfather and grandmother since the past three months, after her mother was allegedly murdered for dowry by her in-laws.

Police said Trilochan Sahu, Kandhei's father, a resident of Bachhara under Pattamundai Police station, had married Sulochana Prusty of Jariabana under Chaudakulat Police station four years back.

Sulochana's family members claimed that they had given dowry to Trilochan as per their demand during the marriage.

But the in-laws continued torturing Sulochana demanding more dowry.

However, Trilochan's family members claimed that Sulochana committed suicide by burning herself in the last week of September.

Sulochana's mother subsequently lodged an FIR with the Pattamundai police station alleging that her daughter was killed by the trio.

Acting on the FIR, police arrested all the three.

With none left to look after and no relatives or NGOs coming forward to take care of the girl, Kandhei has been staying there with her grandmother.

UNI XC-BD DBY KK/src1032