The Bhutanese Leading the way.
In a shocking incident that unfolded on 23 January 2024, at approximately 6.55 pm in Babesa, Thimphu, a distressing act of child battery was captured on a Live TikTok video.
The video showcased a netizen engaging in violent behavior, verbally abusing and slapping a young girl.
Prompted by this alarming report, the South Thimphu Police Station (STPS) team swiftly initiated an investigation, determined to unveil the identity and location of the perpetrator.
Following a thorough inquiry, the team successfully traced the suspect’s residence. Without wasting any time, the team swiftly arrived at the specified location, discovering that the suspect was Live-streaming on TikTok from his apartment while under the influence of alcohol.
Shockingly, it was revealed that the victim is the suspect’s 8-year-old stepdaughter.
It was also uncovered that the victim’s mother at the time was sleeping in another room. During the incident, apart from the step daughter and the mother who was sleeping in the other room totally unaware, there was two younger sibling who were not in the same room of the incident.
It was known that the suspect is the sole bread earner in the family. The suspect has been taken into police custody, and a comprehensive investigation into the matter is currently underway.
The year 2023 and 2022 recorded 28 offences of child battery and 3 offences of child abuse.
Child abuse can be categorized as a single incident or can be a number of different incidents that take place over time.
There are four types of child abuse; physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
As per section 215 of The Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan 2011, a person shall be guilty of the offence of battering a child, if a person purposely uses physical force or cause the child to be subjected to a physical force.
The section further states that the offence of battering a child shall be a petty misdemeanor or a misdemeanor, if aggravated circumstances are present.
