10-year-old house help with bruises all over admitted to Kushtia hospital

A ten-year-old girl was admitted to Khoksha Upazila Health Complex in Kushtia last night with wound marks all over her body. She returned from Dhaka after nine months, where she worked as a domestic help.

The minor, Chandni, is daughter of Tamiz Uddin of Bongram village, reports our Kushtia correspondent.

Chandni was sent to work at Nesa Khatun's house at Bashabo in Dhaka, according to the child's family,

"I sent my daughter to work as I lost my job during the Covid-19 pandemic in May last year," said Tamiz Uddin.

A few days after moving to Dhaka, Chandni's family lost connection with her. Tamiz Uddin, who was worried, informed the matter to the people of the village after he failed to communicate with his daughter despite various attempts. Later, under pressure from few villagers, Nesa brought Chandni to Khoksa after 9 months on Tuesday and left for Dhaka, added Tamiz Uddin.

Chandni was handed over to her grandmother Mojirun, who at first noticed injury marks on her body, according to family sources.

"The girl has bruises on her body. She is also very weak physically. As a result she was admitted for treatment," said Dr Shamim Mahmud of the health complex.

Nesa started abusing Chandni four days after she went to Dhaka, the family claimed. After beating the minor, her employer would even tie her up and left her on the floor, Chandni said from the hospital bed.

However, Nesa's father Rantu said it might be a conspiracy. He also posted a video on this issue, reports our Kushtia correspondent.

"The incident happened in Dhaka. An investigation officer was assigned to look into the matter. If we receive a formal complaint, necessary action will be taken," said Kamruzzaman Talukder, officer-in-charge of Khoksha Police Station.