Three caretakers of a child welfare home in Thiruvananthapuram have been detained by the Kerala police on charges of assaulting a two-and-a-half-year-old girl. The individuals named Ajitha, Maheshwari, and Sindhu are facing legal action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The three were arrested after Kerala State Council for Child Welfare complained about the caretakers injuring a child as punishment for bedwetting, causing harm to her genitals. The investigation revealed that Ajitha allegedly caused the injury, while Maheshwari and Sindhu tried to cover it up.

The two young children were sent to the welfare home after their mother passed away and their father committed suicide. It is reported that the girl was repeatedly punished for bedwetting. The abuse was discovered when a different caretaker, who was temporarily in charge, informed the authorities.

Officials said that the child has received medical treatment and is now stable. G. L. Arun Gopi, General Secretary of the Child Welfare Committee, reassured the public that the injuries were not serious, urging calm while pointing out the importance of a thorough investigation.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure the safety of all children at the facility and to address any possible lapses in oversight.

About POCSO act

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, passed in India in 2012, is a law that protects children from sexual abuse. It defines a child as anyone under 18, regardless of gender. The law covers three main types of offences: sexual assault, sexual harassment, and using children for pornography. 
It provides strict punishments, including imprisonment, fines, and even the death penalty in some cases. The Act also offers support to victims, including medical care, counselling, and education. It helps catch offenders more effectively and sets up special courts to ensure faster trials for these cases.