The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has directed the Kozhikode Rural police to take action following a complaint that a 12-year-old boy was allegedly subjected to physical and mental assault by his father’s relatives at Koduvally in Kozhikode on suspicion of theft.

According to the complaint, the boy was called to a house, locked inside a room and allegedly assaulted after his hands and legs were tied.

The boy reportedly escaped from the house on Tuesday (August 18, 2026) midnight and was taken to a police station by a passerby. He complained that no action was taken by the police despite the matter being brought to their notice. The item suspected to have been stolen was later found, according to the complaint.

The incident was brought to the notice of the Kozhikode District Child Protection Officer, following which the CWC intervened. It directed the District Police Chief (Kozhikode Rural) to conduct an inquiry and take appropriate action. The boy and his family were provided counselling, following which he was shifted to a temporary shelter.

Published - August 19, 2026 08:08 pm IST