The Kalyan Taluka police have arrested a trustee, teacher, staff member and two others linked to a Khadavli-based bal ashram where 29 children were allegedly abused, both mentally and physically. According to the police, two of these children alleged that they had been molested.

"We had received information via the Childline number [1098] that the kids had been facing harassment, so we visited the spot and arrested five people allegedly involved. All of them have been booked under the Juvenile Justice and POCSO [the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences] Acts. We are investigating the matter, and action will be taken as per the law. We urge the people to call on the child helpline number when in distress,” said Kalyan Taluka’s Senior Police Inspector Suresh Kadam.