Rivalry rules at Dongri home
Inmates older than 16 boss around and criminally intimidate the younger boys
Poornima Swaminathan
Concerned over rising indiscipline among the younger juvenile delinquents,
the authorities at the Umerkhadi Observation Home (UOH), Dongri, are
considering shifting the older inmates from the premises, or lodging them in
a separate barrack within the premises.
According to authorities, boys older than 16 years boss around and
criminally intimidate the younger boys. “The older boys form their own gang
and order the younger kids,” said Superintendent, UOH, Shyam Gorad. Sources
said that they had sent a proposal to this effect to the state government
and were awaiting their response.
“It causes a serious law-and-order problem within the premises,” said Gorad.
“Some of the children housed here are dangerous criminals, who have no
remorse. They are hardcore criminals and will spoil the others as well,” he
added.
The lack of enough security personnel manning the gates of the Home is also
posing another security hazard for the inmates. Only 5 security personnel
man the gates of the Home, against the specified 20. In 2006, there were
about 2,400 delinquents in the Home. “Occasionally, there is a problem of
overcrowding as well. But it is less problematic since it is a floating
population,” said an official, seeking anonymity.
The absence of regular patrolling by the security men has also resulted in
indiscipline in the Home. Sources say there is a strong nexus between the
authorities, outsiders and delinquents to ensure a regular flow of alcohol,
cigarettes and drugs into the premises.
“I have heard that few of my attendants are catalysts in supplying
intoxicating material in the home,” admitted a senior official at the home.
He added that beefing up security could help in curbing indiscipline.