http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070013299Manu Sharma Sachdev
Friday, May 25, 2007 (Gurgaon)
Every now and then a reminder comes before us, of just how cruel poverty can be.
Take for instance the life of Muskaan (name changed). The four-year-old was raped as her parents worked and is now in need of a reconstructive surgery.
Instead she has to work everyday as a ragpicker and her only break from that is to go to court and confront the man who raped her.
Rather than playing with her age kids, Muskaan is now waiting for her turn at the district court in Gurgaon.
Now, she has to record her statement before the magistrate, which means coming face to face with the man who brutally raped her a year ago.
Muskaan’s father, a rickshawpuller, had come to Gurgaon from Bengal.
One night, Muskaan was picked up by a man when she was sleeping out in the open and raped. The accused was caught by a constable.
But Muskaan’s life had changed forever. Her uterus and vagina were completely ruptured. Two surgeries saved her life and now she has two pipes to drain both her kidneys and intestines.
More surgeries
But the doctors say with the extensive damage she still needs more surgeries. It’s not something the family can afford.
We are ruined. There is no future for this girl. And we are deep in debt,‘’ said victim’s father.
Social stigma, poverty and three other children made the father contemplate abandoning the daughter he loves to her fate.
Muskaan may not be able to understand the enormity of what has happened to her but for her father it’s a burden. He says he will now have to bear for the rest of his life.
The fear of being singled out in slums is what has made him change homes four times in the last one year.
Back home, Muskaan has to work as a rag picker through which she is able to earn between Rs 15-20 a day.
NDTV: What do you like best? Singing playing dancing or studying?
Muskaan: I like studying.
NDTV: Have you ever gone to school?
Muskaan: No, but I have seen other children study.
It has taken many counselling sessions by NGOs with father and daughter to give them confidence.
Without parental support child rape victims like Muskaan have no one to turn to.
Children under threat
According to the National Crime Record Bureau, 3542 cases of child rape were reported in the country in 2004 out of which it is 295 cases every month. A figure that went up to 335 in 2005.
Muskaan is just one of the faces behind the statistics of child rape in the country. All she is looking for is some support to make a new beginning.
**The little girl now requires more surgeries, treatment and help her in her education.
All those who want to contribute can contact: Childline Gurgaon: 0124-2309646, ShaktiVahini: 0129-2271267.
You can also write to shaktivahini @yahoo.co.in**
i think the constable should have shooted him at the spot instead of arresting him
