In Pune, Maharashtra, a shocking incident has surfaced where an Anganwadi worker allegedly locked 20 children inside a room and left to attend a Gram Panchayat meeting. The incident took place in Hinjewadi on Wednesday, November 26, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., just as Anganwadi hours had begun.

According to reports, Anganwadi worker Savita Shinde and assistant Shilpa Sakhare locked the children inside the centre without any supervision or safety arrangement. They then left to attend a meeting called by the former Sarpanch. The children reportedly remained locked for nearly an hour, crying in fear and distress.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, leading to widespread anger among parents and local residents. When questioned, the worker and her helper casually claimed that they locked the room because they were summoned for the meeting.

On being informed, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Dhanraj Giram immediately ordered both the worker and the assistant to return and unlock the room. They complied and the children were safely freed.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the accountability of Anganwadi workers, as locking children without supervision is a major violation of child safety norms and government guidelines. Although no strict action has been taken yet, CDPO Dhanraj Giram has assured that disciplinary measures will follow against the individuals responsible.