Police arrest foster mother for alleged child abuse in Pfutsero

DIMAPUR — The Phek Police have confirmed the arrest of a woman accused of severely abusing an 11-year-old girl under her care in Pfutsero, following a complaint received at Pfutsero Police Station on June 29.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, police stated that the complaint was filed by a local resident of Rukizu Colony, reporting that the minor had allegedly been subjected to abuse by her foster mother.

Police said the accused had initially fled Pfutsero for Chümoukedima before an FIR was filed, and later absconded again from the Chümoukedima address. However, she was subsequently tracked and arrested by a team from Phek Police with the assistance of personnel from Chümoukedima and Dimapur Police, and brought back to Phek district for further legal proceedings.

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A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, it said.

The child is currently in a safe environment and receiving care, protection, and counselling at the Sakhi One Stop Centre, Phek, in addition to medical treatment at Phek District Hospital, police confirmed.

Meanwhile, Phek Police expressed appreciation for the support extended by civil society organisations and members of the public and urged continued cooperation in addressing crimes against children. It also reiterated that child abuse is a punishable offence under the JJ Act and encouraged citizens to report such cases promptly.