A 10-year-old girl from Adilabad, Telangana, displayed remarkable courage by revealing her ongoing sexual abuse at the hands of a 23-year-old man, Jadhav Krishna, during a SHE Teams awareness programme at her school on June 23, 2025.
The child’s disclosure, prompted by a session on ‘good touch and bad touch’, led to the immediate arrest of the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Officials have assured continued support for the survivor, and the incident has sparked renewed calls for robust child safety measures in schools and communities.
Awareness Programme Empowers Young Survivor
The incident unfolded during a routine awareness drive conducted by SHE Teams, a dedicated police unit focused on the safety of women and children. Officers visited several schools in Adilabad district to educate students about recognising and reporting inappropriate behaviour.
During the session, officers noticed a Class 5 student who appeared visibly distressed. Taking her aside for a private conversation, they reassured her and explained the difference between ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’.
It was in this safe and supportive setting that the young girl found the confidence to disclose the repeated molestation she had endured. “We took her into another room and spoke to her privately, giving her the confidence to share with us if she was experiencing any problems.
It was then she revealed that she was regularly being molested by a man,” said B Susheela, in charge of SHE Teams, as reported by local media outlets.
Swift Police Action and Community Response
Following the disclosure, Adilabad 1-Town police immediately registered a case under the stringent POCSO Act and arrested Jadhav Krishna the same day. Child welfare officials and counsellors have since been engaged to provide psychological support and ensure the survivor’s safety.
The incident has resonated deeply within the community, with local authorities and activists praising the effectiveness of awareness programmes in empowering children to report abuse. “This case shows the importance of regular sensitisation in schools.
We urge all parents and teachers to create open channels of communication with children,” stated a senior police official. In a related development, Telangana has recently witnessed a series of child safety initiatives, including the arrest of multiple individuals in separate child abuse cases, highlighting the persistent challenges in safeguarding children.
The Larger Picture: Ongoing Efforts and Challenges
This case has brought renewed attention to the broader issue of child sexual abuse in India. Despite progressive laws like the POCSO Act, underreporting remains a significant barrier due to fear, stigma, and lack of awareness.
The Telangana police, in collaboration with NGOs and child rights groups, have been intensifying efforts to train teachers, parents, and children to recognise the signs of abuse and encourage timely reporting. Experts note that digital safety is also becoming increasingly important, as children spend more time online.
Authorities have called for a multi-pronged approach combining education, law enforcement, community vigilance, and mental health support to create safer environments for children.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This distressing yet inspiring incident demonstrates the transformative power of education, empathy, and institutional support in combating child abuse. The Logical Indian salutes the young survivor’s bravery and commends the swift, sensitive response by SHE Teams and child welfare officials.
It is imperative that we, as a society, continue to foster trust, awareness, and proactive intervention at home, in schools, and within communities. Only by working together can we ensure that every child feels safe, heard, and protected. What more can we do to empower children and strengthen our collective response to abuse?
