New Delhi: A shocking incident unfolded in Delhi's Dwarka area on Wednesday when a pilot and her husband, also an airline staff, were dragged and brutally beaten by enraged local residents for allegedly torturing and assaulting their 10-year-old domestic help.
Disturbing visuals captured at the scene showed people repeatedly slapping the woman, still dressed in her pilot's uniform.
She was forcibly pulled by her hair and subjected to simultaneous blows by several women as she cried for help. Despite her apologies, the assault continued unabated.
Authorities have identified the accused as Kaushik Bagchi, 36, and his wife Poornima, 33. While Poornima serves as a pilot, Kaushik is employed as ground staff for another airline.
Both individuals have been detained, and a case has been registered against them. The minor victim has been rescued and returned to her parents' home, undergoing a medical examination as part of the investigation.
According to reports, the couple had hired the 10-year-old girl for domestic chores approximately two months ago. However, today, a relative of the girl noticed injury marks on her arms and promptly alerted the police. The girl was purportedly subjected to assault on suspicions of theft.
Upon hearing of the alleged abuse and observing the visible signs of injury on the girl's arms and under her eyes, local residents swiftly mobilized and attacked the couple.
The police arrived at the scene, arresting the couple and initiating legal proceedings. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
Employing children as domestic help is prohibited in India, although this rule is disregarded by many.
A senior police officer from Dwarka, M Harsha Vardhan, they have also spotted burn marks on the girl's arms. "A medical examination has been conducted and the child has also been provided counselling. Based on her statement, we have registered a complaint under strict sections of Indian Penal Code, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.