The District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Dimapur, has appealed to media organisations and members of the public to exercise caution while reporting and sharing information related to cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, stressing the need to safeguard the privacy and dignity of children. In a statement issued on Wednesday, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Avika Zhimomi said the disclosure of a child’s identity in such cases is prohibited under the law. She pointed out that Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 bars the publication of the identity of a Child in Need of Care and Protection (CNCP) and a Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) in any form. The officer also cited Section 23 of the POCSO Act, 2012, which states that no report or comment concerning a child should be made without complete and authentic information. The law further prohibits the disclosure of any detail that may directly or indirectly reveal the identity of a child.
Reaffirming its commitment to child welfare, the DCPU said all actions taken by the child protection machinery are being carried out in strict compliance with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and the POCSO Act, 2012. It said the safety, dignity, welfare and best interests of the child remain the highest priority in every case. The unit explained that the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) is a statutory body constituted under Section 27 of the Juvenile Justice Act and functions with powers similar to those of a Metropolitan Magistrate or Judicial Magistrate First Class. It stated that the committee is empowered to undertake measures for the care, protection and rehabilitation of sexually abused children who are reported as children in need of care and protection under the POCSO Act. Referring to a recent POCSO case in Dimapur, the DCPU said all necessary legal procedures were being followed in accordance with the provisions of the law. According to the statement, the child was rescued by Child Helpline on May 23, 2026 after information about the case was received. The child’s parents were subsequently informed, and interactions with the child were facilitated through the prescribed legal process and child protection procedures.
The DCPU said the child has been provided counselling and psychosocial support. It added that several interventions were carried out through coordinated efforts involving the DCPU, the Child Welfare Committee and Child Helpline, Dimapur. The unit further stated that decisions concerning the child’s care, protection and temporary placement were guided by the principles of best interest, safety, privacy and confidentiality as provided under the Juvenile Justice Act. It added that the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings are being handled by the competent authorities with the primary objective of protecting the child’s rights. Clarifying recent media reports, the DCPU said there were no restrictions on visits by the child’s parents. It clarified that restrictions had been imposed only on third parties to prevent additional trauma and to ensure that the child’s welfare remained protected. The unit noted that the child currently requires intensive counselling, care and protection. The DCPU said the Child Welfare Committee remains committed to ensuring due process and providing continued care and support to the child. It appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with authorities and avoid actions that could interfere with the legal process.
