Shambhu Yadav with Daani Devi. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, Aug. 3: A policeman, in order to get his household chores done, forgot duty and the rules laid down under Child Labour Act.

Sub-inspector B.N. Gupta, posted at the police headquarters in Supaul, 380km from Patna, needed a domestic help and could not resist the offer of one Daani Devi, a resident of Kareo village in Supaul, who offered her five-year-old nephew, Sambhu Yadav, for Gupta’s daily work in return of monthly payment.

Gupta paid Daani Rs 1,600 for three months last year for keeping Sambhu with him to do odd jobs.

Later, when Gupta was transferred to Ara in Nawada, 100km from Patna later last year, he chose to take Sambhu with him.

Meanwhile, after moving out, Gupta stopped Daani’s payment and she started a search for Gupta and Shambhu. When she couldn’t find them, she informed the Patna police, a couple of days back.

The police here, taking strong cue of the matter, today called Gupta for inquiry. A letter regarding the case has been sent to the Nawada superintendent of police (SP).

“Shambhu was four years old last year and his parents are no more. He used to stay with her aunt (Daani) who runs a small food joint in Supaul. Last year, when Gupta was posted in Supaul, he had gone to the food joint and had an interaction with the woman. During the same time, Daani said she had a nephew and he could keep him as a domestic help but she should be paid for the favour. Gupta agreed and paid Rs 1,600 to Daani for Sambhu. The payment was made for three months of service and the boy used to work as a servant in Gupta’s house. Some more details are awaited but it is certainly a case of child labour,” said city SP (Patna Central), Shivdeep Lande.