Sexual assault of toddler in Kochi Anganwadi; Teacher's 20-year-old son arrested

KOCHI: A 20-year-old was arrested by the police in connection with the sexual assault of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in an Anganwadi. The arrested is the son of an Anganwadi teacher. He was caught on Monday evening after a case was registered. He was hiding at a friend's house. The accused is being questioned in detail. The incident took place five days ago in an Anganwadi under the Kochi Municipality limits.

Following the news brought out by Kerala Kaumudi, Minister Bindu Krishna ordered the immediate removal of the Anganwadi worker from service. The action was taken for not following the government's directive not to allow anyone from outside into the Anganwadi. The parents became suspicious when the child became restless and started behaving oddly at home. When they asked their daughter about the matter, she confessed that the young man had touched her private parts. A complaint was immediately filed with the police. The incident was also reported to the Child Welfare Committee.

During the initial investigation, the police found that the teacher's son frequently visited the Anganwadi and fondled the children. The examination revealed that the injury to the child's private parts was not serious.

The Minister directed the Director of the Women and Child Development Department to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report. The Joint Director, Nirbhaya Cell Coordinator, and ICPS Program Coordinator have been assigned to conduct a special investigation. They will personally visit the Anganwadi on Tuesday and conduct an inspection.