Youth held for sexually abusing girl at anganwadi

Kochi: A 20-year-old man, son of an anganwadi teacher, was arrested in connection with a complaint of sexual assault on a three-and-a-half-year-old girl. Elamakkara police arrested him from Aluva on Monday.

The incident happened at an anganwadi within Kochi corporation limits.Police registered a case under Pocso Act after the child’s parents lodged a complaint on Saturday alleging that the girl was sexually assaulted. Police found in the preliminary investigation that the accused used to come to the anganwadi occasionally. Police said although they went to his house in search of him, he could not be found. Later, he was arrested from his friend’s house on Monday evening.Women and child development (W&CD) minister Bindu Krishna directed that staff at the anganwadi be immediately removed from service. Action was taken for not complying with govt directive that no outsider should be allowed inside anganwadi. The minister directed W&CD department director to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter and submit a report. Joint director, Nirbhaya Cell coordinator and ICPS programme coordinator were assigned to conduct a special investigation.

They will visit the Anganwadi on Tuesday and conduct an inspection.Child welfare committee (CWC) has also begun an investigation into the incident. Police recorded statements of the child’s parents. Police said the accused was undergoing questioning and would be presented before a magistrate court after medical examination.