Incident came to light after psychologist he opened up to alerted the police
The boy had become increasingly withdrawn and hesitant to communicate. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK
An educational institution that provides learning and behavioural support to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities alerted the police after a 17-year-old student shared disturbing details during a counselling session. The abuse that the teen spoke about is alleged to have taken place at the family’s South Mumbai residence, officials said.
The centre’s psychologist had observed sudden changes in the teen’s behaviour over several sessions. The boy, who had become increasingly withdrawn, anxious and hesitant to communicate, was invited for a one-on-one interaction where the counsellor took him into confidence. During this “safe-space” conversation, the teen disclosed information suggesting that he had been subjected to troubling experiences at home.
Recognising the seriousness of the revelation, the psychologist immediately acted on her professional responsibility. She personally approached the police station and lodged a complaint based on her observations and the student’s disclosures. Officers said the timely and sensitive intervention by the institution ensured that a vulnerable child did not remain unheard.
“The psychologist acted in the child’s best interest. Her awareness and prompt action brought the matter to light without delay,” a senior officer said. Investigators said that, according to the complaint, the alleged acts occurred repeatedly at the residence between September 1 and November 7. Following this information, a case has been registered against the boy’s 58-year-old father under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police have initiated a detailed investigation and are verifying all aspects of the case. Meanwhile, the teen has been placed under expert care at the institution, where authorities have prioritised his emotional well-being and physical safety.
“Children who have been subjected to such incidents usually show noticeable changes in their behaviour. Their eating habits may be affected, and disturbed sleep, nightmares, and crying are other signs. They may also stop engaging in activities that they once enjoyed. They often appear fearful and anxious. If family members or teachers observe such behavioural changes and take the child into confidence to speak with them, such incidents can be identified early and prevented from continuing,” said psychiatrist Dr Dayal Mirchandani.
Steps to help a distressed child
Providing speedy relief
Call ‘CHILDLINE 1098’ right away (from any phone, anywhere in India). It is a 24×7, free emergency helpline for any child in distress that can arrange rescue, medical care, temporary shelter, and connect the case to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
If the child is in immediate physical danger, also call 112 (Emergency Response Support System) or the local police station and state child’s age, type of disability (if any), and the distress the child faces.
Protection and sheltering process
>> CHILDLINE/police can produce the child before the local CWC under the Juvenile Justice law; The CWC has authority to remove the child from an abusive home and place him in a registered child care institution or specialised home for intellectually disabled children
>> In many states, including Maharashtra, there are government aided homes and special schools specifically for intellectually disabled boys that provide residential care, education and training; admissions are usually routed via CWC or the district social welfare/disability office
Disability-specific help
For specialised advice on intellectual disability, call the National Intellectual Disability Helpline (National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disability) at 1800 572 6422 for guidance on services, group homes, and rights
Some NGOs and state policies provide “homes for intellectually impaired persons” and maintenance in MDC (mentally deficient children) homes for orphaned or unprotected intellectually disabled minors; these are accessed through district social welfare offices and the CWC system
If you are unrelated to child...
You are allowed as a “concerned adult” to report to ‘1098’ or ‘112’; you do not need the parents’ permission, and you may stay anonymous if needed
Keep child’s name, age, address and landmarks, details of the abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, neglect), disability details handy so responders can plan appropriate intervention
A more specific list of registered homes and NGOs nearby, which can offer support after CWC/CHILDLINE intervention, is also available
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