A disturbing case of alleged child cruelty has surfaced in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where a 12-year-old boy was reportedly chained and confined inside his home by his parents for several hours every day over the past two months. Police said the extreme punishment was imposed because the child allegedly stole mobile phones and frequently ran away from home.
The incident took place in the Rameshwari area of Nagpur. The boy, a school dropout, was rescued on Friday following inputs received by the Maharashtra government&rsquo;s women and child development department and the Nagpur police. He has since been shifted to a government-run children&rsquo;s home, where he is undergoing medical treatment and psychological counselling.
The case came to light after local residents alerted authorities, calling the situation a grave violation of child rights. Acting on the information, a team from the District Child Protection Unit conducted a raid at the house and found the child in a severely distressed condition.
According to police officials, the boy was discovered with chains and a padlock fastened around his legs, restricting his movement inside the house. Due to limited space, he was allegedly forced to stand on a bucket for long periods. Authorities said the parents, who work as daily-wage labourers, would reportedly tie the child around 9 am each day before leaving for work.
Medical examinations revealed injuries on the child&rsquo;s hands and legs, believed to have been caused by prolonged use of chains and ropes. Officials also noted signs of physical and mental trauma. The parents allegedly discontinued his education and subjected him to confinement for nearly two months, citing his &ldquo;mischievous behaviour&rdquo; and repeated thefts.
Officials said the parents claimed the act was meant to control the child&rsquo;s behaviour. However, child welfare authorities described the punishment as inhuman, stating that the boy was left with little space to move and was allegedly deprived of food and water during confinement.
A case has been registered against the parents under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with other relevant provisions. Police said complaints involving the child had earlier been reported at multiple police stations in both urban and rural areas of Nagpur.
The matter has now been referred to the Child Welfare Committee for further action, as authorities continue to assess the child&rsquo;s condition and ensure his protection.

Nagpur child cruelty case (Representative Image)

Child rescued after months of confinement over theft claims in Nagpur

Nagpur Parents Chain 12-Year-Old at Home

Child rescued after months of confinement over theft claims in Nagpur

January 4, 2026 | 21:27 IST