BENGALURU: The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the Karnataka Police Department, requesting that action be taken against state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar for failing to behave appropriately with schoolchildren during the 'Mekedatu Padayatra.' The department has also been directed to submit the Action Taken Report within seven days, according to the NCPCR.

On Monday, Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson of the NCPCR, issued a letter to Praveen Sood, Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka. 

"The commission has taken suo-moto note of a video posted on Twitter showing KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar meeting school children during the Mekedatu Padayatra, thereby involving children in political activities," the letter stated. It can also be observed in the video that the youngsters, as well as the KPCC President, are not wearing masks and are not acting in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.

In light of the foregoing, the Commission believes it appropriate to take cognizance under section 13 (1) (j) of the CPCR Act, 2005, and finds that sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, and the Disaster Management Act, 2005 have been violated prima facie.

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