Protector Turns Predator? Minor Domestic Worker Rescued from House Linked to Former CWC Chairman in Hailakandi

A 16-year-old girl, working as domestic help was rescued from the residence of a former Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairman and BJP leader Niladri Shankar Das in Assam’s Hailakandi district. The rescue of a teenager from someone's home who advocated for child protection once, has raised alarms in the society.

The case has raised serious concerns for the right reasons, with peple pointing out the irony that the same man was once given the responsibility for the betterment of children and now he faces allegations of child exploitations. 

According to officials, the operation was initiated after the Hailakandi Child Welfare Department received a complaint alleging that attempts were being made to arrange a child marriage for a teenage girl. Acting on the tip-off, members of the Child Welfare Committee carried out a raid at a residence associated with Niladri Shankar Das.

During the operation, the team rescued the teenage girl from the house. She was then taken to the CWC office where her statement was formally recorded.

In her testimony, the girl said that she has been studying at class vii while continuing working at the Das household. 

The girl further stated that she is paid Rs 1000/- month, deposited in her bank account. 

Following the rescue, the District Child Protection Unit has kept her in a safe shelter, arranging her protection. Enquiry is going on and her statement is recorded. 

The incident has raised serious concerns, particularly because Niladri Shankar Das previously served as chairman of the Child Welfare Committee—an institution tasked with protecting vulnerable children and preventing child labour.

Officials say further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation. Legal proceedings can take place against the family members for having a teenager as domestic help, while the girls' parents can also bear consequences for trying to arrange her marriage early, before the legal age. 

As the investigation progresses, the case has become a stark reminder of a troubling question being asked across the district: what happens when those meant to protect children are themselves accused in cases involving their exploitation?

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