The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Couple detained for forcing their son to seek alms

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Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Couple detained for forcing their son to seek alms

Special Correspondent

Family hails from Andhra Pradesh

TAMBARAM: A family hailing from Andhra Pradesh was pulled up for dressing up a seven-year-old boy as Mahatma Gandhi and making him seek alms from passers-by in Tambaram on Monday.

Railway Protection Force personnel in Tambaram said Mariadoss of Vishakapatnam, his wife Mary and their seven year old son had come to Chennai some months ago. Cheenu, father of Mariadoss, had also joined them recently. Police said the entire family would go around in pairs, seeking alms from commuters and passers-by around Tambaram railway station.

On Monday morning, Suresh was dressed up as Mahatma Gandhi, complete with spectacles and a walking stick.

A section of commuters waiting to board EMU complained to Child Helpline ‘1098’ and the staff in turn called up the control room of RPF, who asked their colleagues at Tambaram to intervene.

While the boy was sent away with his grandfather, Mariadoss and his wife Mary were questioned and then let off, police added.

Police said the commuters had objected to the family forcing a young boy to seek alms, that too in the guise of Mahatma Gandhi.

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