1.9 haemoglobin, broken ribs, starvation: 10-year-old house help on ventilator after alleged torture by CRPF couple in Noida

A 10-year-old girl from West Bengal is fighting for her life on a ventilator in a Greater Noida hospital after police say she was brutally beaten and starved by a CRPF constable and his wife. The child, brought to the city just 40 days ago, was working as a domestic helper at their official residence when the alleged abuse took place, a TOI report stated.

Doctors found the girl unconscious with fractured ribs, deep wounds on her head and chest, signs of prolonged starvation and dangerously low haemoglobin levels of 1.9. Police later arrested the couple, while the CRPF suspended the constable pending investigation.

From Malda to Noida: a move meant to offer safety

The child belongs to Malda district in West Bengal. Her father abandoned the family after remarrying, and her mother, officials said, suffers from mental health issues and cannot care for the children. As the eldest of six siblings, including a two-year-old brother, the girl had taken on the role of caregiver at home.


“The father walked out of the family last year, leaving the children in an extremely vulnerable situation,” said a senior official from the child welfare department. “Despite being only 10, she was taking care of all her siblings,” the official said.

Relatives said the family survived on food offered by neighbours and distant relatives. Around 40 days ago, a distant relative, Rimpa Khatun, brought the girl to Greater Noida, assuring the family that she would be cared for and would help look after Khatun’s two young sons. Khatun’s husband, Tariq Anwar, is a CRPF constable posted in the area.

Assault reported after argument over household work

Police said the situation turned violent last week. “On Jan 14 night, the couple allegedly kicked and punched the child and smashed her head against a wall during an argument over household work,” an officer said.

When the girl collapsed and began bleeding, the couple rushed her to Sarvodaya Hospital in Greater Noida. Doctors were told she had slipped in the bathroom. Medical staff, however, suspected abuse and prepared a medico-legal report, alerting the police.

Doctors flag repeated abuse, not an accident

Medical examinations revealed multiple old and fresh injuries, swelling in the legs, dark circles under her eyes and severe malnutrition. Doctors said the injuries did not match the claim of a single fall.

As her condition worsened, the child was shifted to Max Hospital in Sector 128, where she remains on ventilator support.

Arrests, suspension and child welfare action

Police arrested Anwar and Khatun on Monday under BNS Section 110 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The Central Reserve Police Force has suspended Anwar during the probe.

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) declared the girl a child in need of care and protection and directed that she receive the best possible medical treatment without any cost to the family.

“The priority right now is her survival,” said CWC (Noida) chairperson Dr KC Virmani. “She is critically injured and entirely alone. Everything else will come later.”

Guardianship under question as probe continues

After being informed by police, distant relatives travelled from Malda to Noida. The child’s mother could not make the journey due to her mental condition, officials said.

“The child's guardianship is under serious question. We made it clear to her relatives that she will not be handed over to them until all statements are recorded and the police inquiry is complete,” said Virmani.

The CWC said it is closely monitoring the case and will decide on further legal steps once the child’s condition stabilises and her statement can be recorded.