Protect children’s rights during raids: panel

Suggests including women officers in inspection teams

Investigation agencies including the Police and the Excise Department should take care to protect the rights of children while carrying out inspections and raids, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights said on Monday. The Commission has directed the Home Secretary, State Police Chief, and the Excise Commissioner to issue guidelines that should be followed by officials when carrying out inspections on premises where children are present. A Commission division bench consisting of members K. Nazeer Chaliyam and Babitha Balraj issued the order on a complaint filed by C. J. Shibu of Sultan Bathery alleging lapses on the part of the Circle Inspector, Meenangadi, while inspecting an house where only children were present.