PASIGHAT, Sep 15: In a recent case of offence committed against a girl child, the accused was nabbed within an hour of receiving information about the crime from the victim’s cousin brother through Child Helpline 1098.
This follows the sustained child-safety awareness initiatives carried out by East Siang Police under Project Muskaan bearing fruit.
In the aforesaid case, the victim child was allegedly lured by a neighbor on the pretext of offering sweets, following which the reported 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 WCD Department, WPS team under L/Insp Amum Panyang swung into action and apprehended the accused within an hour. Subsequently on receiving FIR from parents, WPS Case No 24/2026 dated 09/09/26 was registered under Sections 4/6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
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.
East Siang Police will continue its 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 Police control room 7085491255.
East Siang Police appeals 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)