A modern ‘balmitra’ police station has been opened in Ranchi. The aim is to make sure children are not drawn towards crime. At these police stations, children will be counselled so that they do not have criminal tendencies and to prevent them from stepping into the world of crime. The old police station located at the Kotwali police station complex has been developed as ‘Balamitra’ police station and has been made child-friendly. The entire police station has been decorated with cartoons and information about the laws made for children has also been written on the walls.
‘Balamitra’ police station was inaugurated by Ranchi’s SSP Surendra Kumar Jha on Thursday. On this occasion, he said that the objective of the Balmitra police station is to improve children who initially seem eager to follow path of crime. Such children will also be excluded from the category of crime and counselling will be done. Children will get a home-like atmosphere, and it will enable them to speak out about their pain and bad experiences. Policemen will be in plain uniform, and on-call councilors will be available. At the time of questioning or counseling, only those persons required will be allowed. Health checks and entertainment will also be arranged for. Members of Child Welfare Committee, Juvenile Justice Board will also be available.
Children rescued from child labor or human traffickers are taken directly to the CWC or police stations but now such children will be brought to ‘Balamitra’ police station and they will be counseled there and sent to the shelter home after a couple of days. Significantly, this police station has been set up under the ‘Bachpan Bachao Andolan’. It will be ensured that the children get justice in due time. Among types of cases to be handled at ‘Balmitra’ police station will be unintentional stealing done by a child. If the child does not mend ways initially, case will be files and the juvenile will be sent to Juvenile Justice Board. Case researchers will prepare the case diary in such a way that the juvenile is punished for only the minimum period. Home-like environment will be given to victims of exploitation.
