Viral Panvel Video Debunked: Probe Finds Child Was Assaulted by Mother, Not Anganwadi Worker

Panvel, 27th June 2026 : A viral social media video claiming that an Anganwadi worker assaulted a young girl in Nandgaon, Panvel, has been found to be misleading following an investigation by the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department.

The video, which was widely circulated on social media, alleged that an Anganwadi worker had physically assaulted the child. However, a detailed inquiry by the department revealed that the woman seen in the footage was, in fact, the girl’s own mother and not an Anganwadi worker.

Taking immediate cognisance of the viral claims, the department directed the concerned Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) to conduct a field investigation. The inquiry confirmed that the allegations against the Anganwadi worker were baseless and that the incident involved the child’s mother.

Officials said the woman expressed regret over her actions during the investigation. She was informed that physically assaulting a child is a punishable offence under the law and has been referred for counselling to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Women and Child Development Department also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation, stating that false claims had unfairly tarnished the reputation of Anganwadi workers, who serve lakhs of children across Maharashtra with dedication.

The department reiterated its commitment to child safety and urged citizens to verify information before sharing it on social media. It also appealed to parents to adopt non-violent methods of child-rearing and to strictly comply with child protection laws.