Girl Abused at Child Welfare Council; Three Female Staffers Arrested
The child was allegedly abused for bedwetting and had been tortured since November 21, according to a police officer.
Image Source: The New Indian Express
Three temporary female employees of the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare in Thycaud were arrested on Tuesday by museum police for allegedly abusing a two-and-a-half-year-old girl at the institution. The accused, identified as Ajitha, Maheswari, and Smitha, face charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act for subjecting a child to physical assault.
According to Museum station house officer Vimal S., the child had been tortured since November 21, with injuries found on her genitals, armpits, and arms. Abuse was allegedly linked to her bed-wetting. Council general secretary G.L. Arun Gopi reported the incident on November 30 after a caregiver noticed fingernail marks on the child and informed him. Seven staff members, including the three arrested, were dismissed following the incident. Gopi emphasized the council’s swift action, including taking the child for medical care, notifying the district child welfare committee, and filing a police complaint.
The arrested staff had been working on daily wages for five years, and their appointments were based on advertised qualifications, including completing the Balasevika course and clearing police verification. Gopi denied any prior misconduct by the accused and stressed the council’s commitment to child safety. The child is now stable.
Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson K.V. Manoj Kumar announced plans to review caregiver eligibility criteria and provide additional training. Meanwhile, Youth Congress activists protesting outside the council office were detained.
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan accused the government and council leadership, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Health Minister Veena George, of attempting to cover up the crime. He criticized the suspension of caregivers as superficial and claimed that political interference had turned the council into a “haven for criminals.” Satheesan demanded stricter accountability and an end to government protection for the accused.
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- Freelance Journalist
- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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