Pune: The Special Juvenile Squad of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has conducted 188 awareness programs, enrolled 41 children in schools, provided vocational training to 25 children, freed 58 juveniles from addiction, counseled 608 children, and trained 451 children in sports.

A grieving mother, working as a housemaid to support her family after her husband's death, found hope through the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police's Special Child Squad. Her son, who had fallen into mischief and neglect of his studies, turned his life around thanks to the Disha initiative.

"My son started neglecting school and engaging in mischief, using foul language and picking fights. As a result, he failed the ninth grade. I was worried about our future," the mother shared, tears in her eyes. "But after receiving guidance and counseling from the police, he improved significantly, returned to school, and our family's future brightened."

The Disha initiative, part of the Special Child Squad's efforts, provides guidance, counseling, and educational encouragement to misguided children.

The police offer free training for various courses and conduct awareness programs to reintegrate out-of-school children into the educational system, prevent addiction, and deter them from criminal activities.

Under this initiative, sports coach Sandesh Borde formed a football team with children from the Nigdi area, achieving success in national competitions.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vishal Hire praised the squad's efforts: "Proper guidance and counseling, along with educating children about right and wrong, have helped many children find the right path. We are encouraging out-of-school children towards education and providing guidance on various sports."

The Special Juvenile Squad's work has brought hope and stability to many families, ensuring a brighter future for their children.