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Maharashtra CCTV Horror: 12-Year-Old Boy Assaulted in Lift – Palghar Police Inaction Sparks Outrage
A chilling CCTV video from Gokul Harmony Society in Boisar, Palghar, showing three teenagers brutally assaulting a 12-year-old boy in a residential elevator on July 7, 2025, has gone viral, triggering widespread outrage. The four-minute attack, reported by Indian Express, has spotlighted alleged police delays, with residents and social media demanding swift justice under #JusticeForPalgharBoy. The incident, involving minor assailants, raises serious concerns about child safety and law enforcement responsiveness in Maharashtra.
Details of the Assault
The assault took place in the elevator of Gokul Harmony Society, a residential complex in Boisar, Palghar district. The CCTV footage, widely shared on X, shows three teenagers repeatedly punching and kicking the 12-year-old victim, trapping him inside the lift.
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Injuries: The boy sustained bruises and trauma, requiring medical attention, but no confirmed reports of a fractured rib or concussion, contrary to initial claims.
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Accused: The three assailants, identified as minors aged 14-16, were detained by Palghar police, not left unarrested as claimed.
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Threats: The boy's parents reported the attackers threatened to harm him further if he spoke out, per News18.
The video's virality, amplified by posts like @TheSquawkBox, fueled public anger, with many referencing Palghar's 2020 sadhu lynching to highlight perceived law enforcement failures.
Legal Developments
Contrary to claims of delayed action, Palghar police filed an FIR on July 8, 2025, within 24 hours of the incident, under:
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BNS Section 351(2): Replacing IPC Section 324 for voluntarily causing hurt.
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POCSO Act Section 8: Sexual assault, as the victim is a minor, though no sexual nature was confirmed in reports.
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Juvenile Justice Act: As the accused are minors, they are under juvenile board proceedings.
The police's prompt response included detaining the accused and seizing the CCTV footage, per Senior Inspector Anil Vibhute. No transfer to Maharashtra CID was verified, and claims of “waiting for age verification” were unconfirmed. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is monitoring the case to ensure victim support.
The incident has struck a chord due to its brutality and Palghar's history of high-profile crimes. Social media erupted, with #JusticeForPalgharBoy trending, though claims of 280K tweets were unverified, with ~50,000 posts more accurate, per X analytics. Residents of Gokul Harmony Society protested, demanding stricter security, per @JamwalNidhi. While no direct involvement from NCP's Supriya Sule was confirmed, celebrities like Riteish Deshmukh amplified the issue, with Deshmukh tweeting, “Heartbreaking. Justice must be swift for this child.”
Broader Context and Implications
Palghar's 2020 lynching case, where two sadhus were killed, remains a sore point, with the Maharashtra CID filing reports against minors in that case. The lift attack has reignited criticism of local policing, though the quick FIR filing counters inaction claims. The case highlights vulnerabilities in residential complexes, where lax security allowed minors unsupervised access to elevators. It also underscores the need for child protection measures, with 92,323 digital and physical assault cases against minors reported in India in 2024, per Indian Express.
What's Next?
The juvenile board will determine the accused's fate, with counseling and rehabilitation likely, given their minor status. The victim is receiving medical and psychological support, per News18. Community demands for CCTV upgrades and stricter building security are mounting. As #JusticeForPalgharBoy trends, the case pressures authorities to act decisively to restore trust and protect vulnerable children in Maharashtra.
