A shocking case of alleged child abuse has emerged from Bihar’s Darbhanga district on Sunday, where four minor boys escaped from a madrasa where they claimed they had been subjected to physical assault and inhumane treatment. 

The kids were found in a distressed condition by the villagers after they fled the institution. What left locals stunned was that iron chains and padlocks had been fastened around the boys’ legs, which were allegedly aimed at preventing them from escaping. 

According to locals, the children were spotted resting under the shade of a tree after walking for several kilometres in the scorching heat. Exhausted, hungry and visibly frightened, the boys were struggling to continue their escaping spree. Villagers came to their aid, offering them food, water and shelter. 

Boys allege relentless assault, forced labour

As the children regained their strength, they narrated their ordeal to the villagers. They said they hail from Madhubani district and that they had been studying as well as residing at a madrasa in Darbhanga. 

They alleged that the operator of the madrasa, identified as Maulana Qadir, routinely subjected them to severe physical abuse. The minor boys said that they were frequently thrashed and were forced to undertake degrading work, such as manually cleaning human waste. 

They went on to say that their legs had been shackled with iron chains and secured with locks to prevent them from escaping the institution. Injury marks were visible on their bodies, which were allegedly the result of repeated assaults carried out over an extended period. 

Police, child welfare authorities step in

The villagers informed the police, as well as the Childline officials after learning about the horrific account. Authorities swiftly arrived at the location, recorded the statements of the boys and began with the necessary legal procedures. 

Subsequently, the boys were sent for medical examinations to document their condition and assess any injuries. Thereafter, they were shifted to a child care home for their protection and welfare. 

Later, the cops registered an FIR against Maulana Qadir under various legal provisions. Officials initially registered a Zero FIR and transferred the case to the jurisdictional police station for an in-depth probe.