Palghar Crime: Nalasopara Couple Arrested For Torturing Adopted Children, Booked Under POCSO And JJ Act

Palghar, Maharashtra: In a disturbing case of child abuse, two parents, were arrested for allegedly torturing their two adopted children in Nalasopara East, Vasai. The couple faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.

The arrests followed a complaint filed on May 2, 2025, by Rajesh Ramesh Bhalinge, a 30-year-old child helpline supervisor from Palghar district. Bhalinge received a call on the national child helpline (1098), which reported that the children were being abused by their adoptive parents.

According to the police complaint, the two children, aged 7 and 3, were subjected to regular physical abuse by their adoptive parents. The couple allegedly beat them for not being as academically successful as their peers and for not conforming to their expectations. In addition to verbal abuse, the children were reportedly beaten with sharp objects, leaving marks on their hands and feet, and the older child also suffered a fractured arm due to the beatings.

Bhalinge, upon hearing the complaints from the child helpline, visited the address provided and verified the abuse. The investigation revealed that the adoptive parents had subjected the children to daily physical punishment, further confirming the claims of torture.

The police swiftly acted upon the complaint and arrested the couple. They have been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2023, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. .

Sub-Inspector Bhosale from Achole Police Station, along with investigating officer Sub-Inspector Wadne, is leading the case. The children are currently being cared for and are receiving medical treatment and psychological support to recover from the traumatic ordeal, confirmed a police official. Further investigation is underway.