Child Helpline Awareness Leads to Rapid Arrest in Arunachal Pradesh Abuse Case

Itanagar: A 54-year-old man sits in judicial custody after allegedly luring a minor girl with sweets. The incident occurred in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district. He faces charges under Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act of 2012.

The victim's cousin learned about Child Helpline 1098 during a Project Muskaan awareness program at his school. He used that knowledge to report the assault immediately. The Women and Child Development Department alerted the authorities, and a team from the Women Police Station mobilized at once. Lady Inspector Amum Panyang led the operation, catching the suspect within sixty minutes.

Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba confirmed the details on September 14. He praised the initiative, noting that, "The awareness programme gave the victim's cousin the confidence to seek help and report the alleged abuse." Parents filed an FIR, leading to the registration of Women Police Station Case No. 24/2026 on September 9.

This case is not unique. Since November, the East Siang Police have opened three other POCSO investigations following direct outreach to students. Officials continue to promote the use of the 1098 helpline, the 112 emergency line, and the POCSO e-Box. Police now urge parents and teachers to stay alert and listen to children who show signs of distress.