The All Women Police Station (AWPS), Thanjavur, on Saturday took into custody four juvenile boys in connection with the abuse of a 14-year-old boy staying at a government hostel in the district.

The victim is a student of a nearby government school and was residing in the hostel along with the accused students.

Abuse allegedly continued for months

Police said the four juveniles — two Class 12 students, one Class 10 student and one Class 9 student — had allegedly subjected the victim to repeated physical and inappropriate acts over the past few months.

The matter came to light when the boy visited his home towards the end of November and shared his distress with his mother.

Hostel action and parental complaint

Following the disclosure, the boy’s mother approached the hostel warden. Based on a written complaint from the victim, the hostel authorities suspended the four students.

However, on December 5, when the mother visited the school, she noticed that the suspended students were still attending classes. She raised the issue with the school headmaster, seeking immediate intervention.

Child protection steps initiated

Sources said the suspended students were attending school while staying outside the hostel. After the matter was brought to the attention of authorities, officials from the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) conducted enquiries.

Considering the child’s safety and well-being, the victim was shifted to the Government Children Home for Boys in Thanjavur.

Case under child protection laws

Subsequently, the mother lodged a formal complaint with the AWPS on December 12. Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The four juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), Thanjavur, and were sent to the Government Observation Home for Boys.

Focus on safety and monitoring

Officials said the case highlights the importance of strict monitoring in hostels and schools. Child welfare authorities are continuing follow-up measures, including counselling and support for the victim, while further proceedings are under way.