Project Muskaan Leads to POCSO Arrest in East Siang

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 PASIGHAT, September 14: 

A school-based child-safety awareness programme by East Siang Police has helped a child seek timely assistance in a POCSO case, leading to the arrest of a 54-year-old man.

According to a press release issued by East Siang District Police, the minor was allegedly lured by a neighbour on the pretext of offering sweets, after which the alleged sexual offence was committed.

The victim’s cousin, who is also a school student, knew about Child Helpline 1098 after attending a Project Muskaan awareness session at his school. He used the helpline to report the incident and seek help for his sister.

Following information received through the Child Helpline via the Women and Child Development Department, a team from the Women Police Station, led by L/Insp Anum Panyang, responded to the matter and apprehended the accused within an hour.

Police said a case was subsequently registered after receiving the victim’s parents’ complaint. WPS Case No. 24/2026, dated September 9, 2026, was registered under Sections 4/6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

The accused, aged 54, has been arrested and is currently in judicial custody. Police have not disclosed the identity or identifying details of the child, in accordance with provisions protecting child victims under the POCSO law.

The incident has drawn attention to the practical impact of Project Muskaan, which was launched by East Siang Police to help children recognise unsafe situations, understand their rights and know where to turn when they face abuse or distress.

The initiative has already reached thousands of students across East Siang. Phase-I covered 104 schools and 16,897 students, while police said the programme contributed to the identification and registration of three POCSO cases. 

Project Muskaan also introduced Child Safety Complaint Boxes in schools and familiarised students with emergency support systems, including Child Helpline 1098 and Dial 112. 

The programme was designed to make it easier for children to communicate concerns and approach authorities without fear. 

What makes the latest case particularly significant, police said, is that the victim’s cousin was able to act because he remembered information provided during a school awareness session. 

His decision to speak up turned awareness into immediate intervention and helped bring the alleged offender into police custody.

East Siang Police said Project Muskaan is not limited to classroom awareness but aims to create a wider protective network involving children, schools, parents, teachers and law-enforcement agencies.

The police department has said it will continue school-based outreach, focusing on child safety, recognising safe and unsafe situations, speaking up against abuse and understanding available support mechanisms, including 1098, 112, POCSO e-Box and the East Siang Police Control Room.

Police have also appealed to parents, teachers and members of the community to remain vigilant, listen to children without judgment and seek appropriate assistance whenever a child appears to be in distress.

*The identity and identifying particulars of the child have been withheld in keeping with the POCSO Act

Location: Pasighat

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