SCPCR takes serious note of 'WhatsApp' photos of newborn

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, April 5: The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), Meghalaya on Wednesday has taken strong exception to the recent circulation on a social networking app 'WhatsApp' of a new born baby born inside a Muncipal toilet at Nongmynsong, showing graphic pictures of the newborn.

The SCPCR while informing that the matter has been taken note of very seriously by them, the commission has also condemns the action of the people misusing the medium of the Internet in such a manner.

Chairperson of SCPCR, M Kharkongor said, "The matter has also been brought to the notice of the Superintendent of Police (City)."

Issuing a strong warning, Kharkongor said, "In future if any such misleading message are being circulated around, the source of such messages shall be tracked down and whoever is or are responsible shall be dealt by law severely."

She observed that it is evident that there are people trying to mislead the public by such inhuman circulation.

The Chairperson informed that this particular incident relates to the October 3, 2016 incident, wherein the Child Welfare Committee, East Khasi Hills district had dealt with the particular case and after observing all formalities, the baby was handed over to his materl grandmother on November 1, 2016, who is now healthily growing up.

Meanwhile, SP City Vivek Syiem said that the new born baby is an event which happened last year (2016) and not a current event.

"A case has been registered and the mother of the child has been arrested. The child is safe and with the relatives," the SP said.

The police cautioned the public to refrain from circulating such images with information that has not been verified. To this, Vivek said, "Any such rumours misleading the public will attract Section 505 IPC where punishment is up to 3 years or with fine or both."