PASIGHAT, SEP 14:
A child-safety awareness campaign conducted by East Siang Police under Project Muskaan has helped facilitate the reporting of an alleged sexual abuse case, with the accused apprehended within an hour of the police receiving the information.
According to East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, a school student reported the alleged abuse of his cousin through Child Helpline 1098 after learning about the service during a Project Muskaan awareness session conducted at his school.
The child victim was allegedly lured by a 54-year-old neighbour on the pretext of offering sweets before the alleged offence. Following the report, information was relayed through Child Helpline 1098 and the Women and Child Development Department, prompting the Women Police Station to act immediately.
A team led by Lady Inspector Amum Panyang apprehended the accused within an hour. Following an FIR lodged by the victim’s parents, Women Police Station Case No. 24/2026, dated September 9, was registered under Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The accused is presently in judicial custody.
Lamba said the case demonstrated how sustained awareness among schoolchildren could translate into timely intervention and protection of vulnerable children. The awareness session, he added, gave the victim’s cousin the confidence to seek help and report the alleged abuse.
Since Project Muskaan’s school outreach began in November last year, East Siang Police has registered three other POCSO cases following interactions with students and subsequent follow-up with children found to be in distress, police said.
The initiative focuses on child safety, recognising safe and unsafe situations, encouraging children to speak up and informing them about available support mechanisms, including Child Helpline 1098, emergency response number 112 and the POCSO e-Box.
Police appealed to parents, teachers and community members to remain vigilant, listen to children without judgement and promptly seek assistance when a child shows signs of distress.
Lamba said the identity and identifying particulars of the child had been withheld in compliance with the POCSO Act and to protect the child’s privacy.
