Guwahati, 6 May: Assam Police recently took a decision regarding disclosure of the identity of sexually assaulted children and families of such children. Assam Police is deeply concerned about the identity of the child who has been sexually assaulted as well as the full identity of his family being published in the media as well as on social media. Due to which the Assam Police has been forced to issue a strict directive.
Assam Police issued an alert on Friday night after the identity and details of the child who died of sexual assault in Margherita was circulated on social .
In the warning issued by the Assam Police, quoting Section 23(2) of the POCSO Act, it is against the law to disclose the identity of any child who has been sexually assaulted i.e. name, address, photo, family details, name of the school studied or any other information.
Under this law, it is not only prohibited to disclose the name of a child who has been sexually assaulted but the media cannot disclose any information about the child which may reveal the identity of the child who has been abused. Despite such strict rules and regulations, a section of the media in the state has not only published the name and address of the child who has been sexually assaulted but has been broadcasting various aspects of the child.
It is to be noted that such incidents have taken place at different times in the past as well. However, the Assam Police has not taken any action in this regard so far. But keeping a close watch on the latest issue from now onwards. Meanwhile, the Police has issued a strict warning in this regard through the Twitter handle of The Assam Police.