Are kids safe in gated societies, ask residents

NOIDA: Appalled at the lack of confidence-building measures by police or the management of the housing society where a security guard was arrested earlier this week for molesting children, residents of Prateek Laurel in Sector 120 say they have initiated measures to shield kids from abuse.
The arrest of the guard has shaken residents’ faith in the security apparatus at the condominium, residents say.Accusing both the police and the society management of not doing enough, the residents said they are educating children on abuse, good touch and bad touch through programmes.
The guard, Dharmendar Singh, was arrested for allegedly molesting an eight-year-old boy on the society premises on Monday. After the arrest, several other children came forward to complain about abuse by the same guard. But residents said the police tried to convince them to withdraw the complaint.
Some parents in the society said they had become extra cautious about the whereabouts of their children. “We had decided to move into a gated community because it gives added security. But it is unfortunate that despite everything, we are unable to provide a safe environment for our children,” said Sonali, a resident.
Rashmi, another resident, added, “The recent arrest has raised questions on how secure children are even in gated societies”.
Concerned parents have decided to hold an interactive session with the children of the society on Saturday, in which child abuse and need for safety will be discussed.
Prashant Tiwari, chairman of Prateek Group, said the society was doing everything to make residents feel secure. “Prateek group's association with its residents goes beyond brick and mortar; they took an important decision of bringing life to our structures, that trust sealed the association of the two families. Why would we not want the best of safety of our valued members? We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure we never have to go through such agonizing circumstances. There has never been an intention to disturb the peace and harmony of our extended families. We welcome the decisionto spread further awareness and would work relentlessly to achieve the best possible security,” Tiwari said.