Mysore/Mysuru: Officials concerned should work in tandem to prevent incidents such as child marriages and other atrocities against children, said District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Member-Secretary B.J. Dinesh here this morning.

He was speaking after inaugurating the day-long  training programme on Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Mission Vatsalya, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act for Police personnel and officials and staff of Department of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Panchayat Development, jointly organised by Directorate of Child Protection, Department of Women and Child Development, District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Child Protection Unit and Police Department at Mysuru SP office auditorium.

Incidents such as child marriages, children being used for begging and labour, molestation among others are clear violation of child rights. On such cases being reported, both the Police and other officials concerned should co-ordinate and act immediately to prevent incidents, said Dinesh.

Citing an example of a child marriage case reported in Periyapatna, Dinesh said while District Child Protection Officer reported the incident to Periyapatna Police, it was not registered citing that the temple where the incident took place fell under the jurisdiction of Hunsur Police. Later, when a complaint filed before the Hunsur Police similar reason was given for not filing the FIR.

“Despite being informed to file the FIR irrespective of territorial jurisdiction during various training programmes, cases of FIR not being filed are still being reported. As per the Supreme Court directives, the Police must immediately register a case under POCSO, JJ Act and other relevant Acts irrespective of their jurisdiction,” he added.

Dinesh also informed the participants about procedures to be followed to ascertain the age of the children subjected to atrocities. “Officials can examine the school records, birth certificates issued by local bodies and also subject the child to medical examination to ascertain the age,” he said and added that to prevent atrocities against children it was important to educate them.

Resource persons from various departments have been invited to deliberate on various topics in connection with child rights  and laws.

Karnataka State Child Rights Protection Commission Member S. Manju, DCP (Crime and Traffic) S. Jahnavi, Additional SP Dr. B.N. Nandini, District Child Welfare Officer Yogesh and others were present.