PASIGHAT, 15 Sep: The East Siang police apprehended a 54-year-old man and placed him in judicial custody under the POCSO Act, 2012,following a complaint received from the victim's cousin, who is also a school student.

The police stated that sustained child-safety awareness initiatives being carried out by the police department under Project Muskaan are showing tangible results with the recent case demonstrating how awareness imparted to children in schools can empower them to seek help when faced with abuse.

In the present case, the victim child was allegedly lured by a neighbour on the pretext of offering sweets, following which the alleged offence was committed against her. The victim's cousin brother,who is also a school student, subsequently sought help through child helpline 1098, leading to prompt police intervention and action.

On receiving the message from Childline via the WCD Department, a women police station (WPS)team under Inspector Amum Panyang swung into action and apprehended the accused within an hour. Subsequently, on receiving an FIR from the parents, a case under Section 4/6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was registered.

The accused, aged 54 years, has been arrested and is presently in judicial custody.

What makes the case particularly significant is that the victim's cousin brother knew that help was available through child helpline 1098, having been informed about the helpline during a Project Muskaan awareness session conducted by the police team at his school. This awareness gave the brother the courage to break the silence, seek assistance for her sister and report the abuse, highlighting how sustained child-safety awareness can turn knowledge into action and provide real-world protection to children.

This is not an isolated outcome of Project Muskaan. Prior to the present case, the East Siang police registered three POCSO cases following school visits under the project since November last year, where police personnel interacted with students and subsequently followed up with children found to be in distress.

"These cases underline the importance of regular engagement with children, creating an environment in which they feel safe to speak and know where to seek assistance," the police said.

Further, the police informed that they will continue their school-based outreach under Project Muskaan, focusing on child safety, awareness of safe and unsafe situations, the importance of speaking up, and knowledge of available support mechanisms including child helpline 1098, dial 112, POCSO e-Box, and the police control room (7085491255).

The East Siang police also appealed to parents, teachers and the community to remain vigilant, listen to children without judgement, and immediately seek appropriate assistance whenever a child appears to be in distress. (DIPRO)