KOCHI: A team of Childline volunteers were allegedly attacked by a hotel owner near Edapally when they inquired into a complaint of child labour there.
According to the Childline volunteers, they were at the hotel after receiving a complaint in the hotline number. A team of four volunteers, including three women, visited the hotel on Thursday afternoon. They said one of their team members was manhandled when they tried to talk to a child. “The boy, a native of West Bengal was 16 years old as per the Aadhaar card presented by the hotel owner. However we doubt the age, besides the boy was employed at the hotel violating all norms,” said Nirish Antony, coordinator, Childline Kochi.
According to Elamakkara police, they have received a complaint on attempted assault.
Police said the volunteers had asked for a receipt of the complaint. “They were in a hurry to avoid any further complications and had asked for a receipt. The complaint was not proper and a case will be lodged only after taking the statement of the boy who is currently missing,” said a police officer.
Meanwhile, Childline volunteers said they have forwarded the complaint to senior police officials including Kochi Range IG P Vijayan.