A crucial school awareness program in Panchkula empowered a 14-year-old girl to break her silence and report a relative who had allegedly been sexually assaulting her. The accused, an auto-rickshaw driver who lived in her neighbourhood, was subsequently arrested by the police.
Workshop Gives Victim Courage to Speak Up
The case came to light after the adolescent attended a session in her school focused on "good touch and bad touch." This critical awareness workshop equipped her with the understanding to recognize inappropriate behaviour. Following the session, she gathered the courage to confide in her mother about the prolonged abuse she had been suffering.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Arrest
According to police officials, the alleged molestation occurred in 2023. The accused, a relative, would exploit his routine of picking her up for school. He reportedly arrived an hour earlier than the scheduled school time and used the commute to assault her. After the girl's disclosure, a team from the women's police station acted swiftly. The man was taken into custody on November 30 under the relevant stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Police Highlight Collective Responsibility for Child Safety
A senior police officer underscored the vital role played by such educational initiatives in schools. "Children's safety is a collective responsibility," the officer stated. "Parents and teachers must listen to children, teach them to recognise inappropriate behaviour, and support them in raising their voice." The officer further revealed that Panchkula Police conduct regular awareness sessions across educational institutions to help children identify and report unsafe situations.
The officer also issued a strong advisory to the public. "Never trust anyone blindly — whether a relative or an acquaintance. Vigilance and timely reporting can prevent such crimes," the official stressed, urging people to alert police immediately if they suspect any child or woman is facing abuse.
