On December 10, a seven-year-old girl unexpectedly visited Ambur Women’s Police Station, Tamil Nadu, to complain against her father, who had “cheated” her by not building a toilet in their house despite promising that he would.

The girl, Hannifa Zara, walked into the police station smiling, wearing her uniform and with a bag full of certificates and medals. Sub-inspector A. Valarmathi, to whom Hannifa put forward her complaint, said that the “charming” girl addressed her as aunty and told her how her father “cheated” her, reported The Hindu.

No toilet built due to financial difficulties

Born to 30-year-old Ehsanullah and 25-year-old Mehareen, Hannifa is the eldest daughter after her one-and-a-half-year-old sister.  “She has been a topper in school. She has been asking me to build a toilet in the house since she was in LKG.” said Ehsanullah. He further added that he promised Hannifa that he would build her a toilet if she cam first in class and she did. Since then, she has been scoring good marks in her exams.

Hannifa, who studies in a neighbouring school in the second standard, told Valarmathi that she had been taught at school how important it is to have a toilet at home. “I was really moved and called her father. He was in tears and said he was not in a position to build the toilet,” said Valarmathi.

Ehsanullah worked at a canteen in Rameswaram but has lost his job now. Due to financial difficulties, he could not build a toilet in his house. Their house does not even have a proper power supply. 

Little Hannifa is unaware of her father’s inability to give what she has been demanding. She is angry with her father and has recently stopped speaking to him.

Ambur Municipality officials to build a toilet at the earliest

Ambur Municipality officials were informed about the issue by the police, and they said they would build a toilet for the family as soon as possible. Valarmathi said that Hannifa was very happy upon hearing this and they made her and her father shake hands.

Thanking the police with all her heart, Hannifa walked out of the police station. “I cannot forget the sight,” said Valarmathi.

Emotional and moving as the incident is, it brings to light the difficulties people with financial difficulties often have to face. With an innocent complaint, a serious issue has been brought to the fore. The Logical Indian hopes that little Hannifa gets a toilet built at her house at the earliest.

Also Read: True Hero: Meet The Lady Mason Who Built 4000+ Toilets In Unsanitary Slums & Villages Of UP