New Delhi: An FIR has been lodged against Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Zahid Beg and his wife Seema Beg in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, following serious allegations of exploitation and harassment of a minor girl employed as domestic help. The couple is accused of forcing the 17-year-old to work without pay and subjecting her to physical abuse. The case was filed after an investigation by the district labor department, which had earlier issued a notice against the MLA and his wife for violating child labor laws.Harrowing allegations by minorThe rescued minor, a resident of Kaithipur in Sarroi, provided a disturbing account of her time at the MLAs residence. During questioning, she revealed that she had been subjected to constant harassment, scolding, and beatings while working at the household. The minor also disclosed a tragic incident involving another maid who worked at the MLAs home. According to her, this maid, who resided in Maryadpatti Mamdevpur Kanshiram Residential Colony, committed suicide after enduring similar mistreatment. The deceased maids body was found hanging from a ceiling hook on the upper floor of the MLAs residence. This revelation has intensified the scrutiny of the MLA and his wife.FIR filed by labor departmentFollowing the minors testimony, the Labour Enforcement Department, led by officer JP Singh, filed an official complaint. The FIR alleges that the minor was not compensated for her labor and endured physical abuse. The case also mentions the deceased maid, who, according to the rescued minor, had attempted to escape the abuse but was unable to. The minor girl revealed that two days before her death, the deceased maid confided in her about wanting to flee due to the unbearable harassment.Meager pay for deceased and the minorThe investigation further uncovered that both the deceased maid and the minor were paid a meager sum of Rs. 1,000 per month for their work. Based on the findings of the Labour Enforcement Department, the Bhadohi Kotwali police registered a case under several serious charges, including Sections 143 (4) and 143 (5) of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, and Sections 4 and 16 of the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act, 1976. These sections address the unlawful exploitation of minors and bonded labor practices.Serious charges could lead to life imprisonmentAccording to senior civil court advocate Alok Dwivedi, the charges under Sections 143 (4) and 143 (5) carry severe penalties. If found guilty, the accused could face a sentence ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, along with a substantial fine. The case took a serious turn after Superintendent of Police Dr. Meenakshi Katyayan and District Magistrate Vishal Singh ordered a raid on the MLAs residence. The minor was rescued during this operation, and the FIR was filed five days later, following mounting pressure and public outcry.
