Salim had found three-year-old Pinki crying outside his shop in Badarpur on August 10. HT photo/Jasjeet Plaha
For the past four days, Salim, a tailor by profession, has tried
everything — from making announcements at the local mosque to informing the police — but to no avail. He has made several rounds of police stations, not only in Delhi but in neighbouring Haryana too. But he claims the police have refused to take action as they said the girl was from Faridabad.
“I called up the PCR of both Delhi and Haryana Police as it is a border area. I visited the Palla police station. After taking in the details, they asked me to keep the child with me as they were busy with Independence Day arrangements. When I called the
Molarband police post, they refused to file a complaint, claiming that the child was from Haryana,” Salim said.
Pinki, however, seems content. Her attire has changed from a black vest, which she was wearing when Salim found her, to a fluorescent green frock he bought for her. But when asked about her parents and home, she draws a blank.
“I found her crying outside my shop and thought she must have lost her way. I asked around but no one knew about her. It didn’t feel right leaving her alone,” said Salim.
And the girl is a handful — from ensuring she eats properly to keeping her entertained, Salim does everything. “My daily routine has gone haywire. My work is suffering too. Whenever I go to work, she starts crying and I have to come back,” Salim said.
The colony people, however, have been a big help. Many keep an eye on her when Salim is away. Children play with her and the women ensure she is well fed.
When contacted, Delhi police officials assured HT of action. “The matter has just been reported to me. I will take action immediately,” said Ajay Chaudhry, additional commissioner of police (southeast Delhi).