HORRIFIC ABUSE CAUGHT ON CAMERA: 12-Year-Old Boy Brutally Assaulted Inside Elevator in Maharashtra—Shocking CCTV Footage Goes Viral

Maharashtra, India — In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked nationwide outrage, a 12-year-old boy was brutally assaulted inside an elevator of a residential building in Maharashtra. The entire act, which was captured on CCTV, has since gone viral on social media, drawing condemnation from celebrities, activists, and the general public alike.

The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in a mid-rise apartment complex in the Kalyan area of Thane district. The young boy, a resident of the building, had reportedly entered the lift to return to his home when he was suddenly and savagely attacked by an unidentified adult male.

The Shocking Footage

The CCTV footage, now being circulated widely, shows the boy standing quietly in the corner of the elevator. Moments later, a man enters—believed to be in his mid-30s—and, without provocation, begins slapping, punching, and kicking the child with alarming force. The boy is seen cowering and crying, trying to protect himself in vain.

At one point, the man appears to grab the child by his collar, shake him violently, and slam him against the elevator wall, even as the doors open and close. The brutal attack lasts nearly a full minute, and what’s most disturbing is the calm, calculated manner in which the attacker carries it out.

Police say the video was discovered after a concerned resident reviewed the CCTV footage due to hearing cries and unusual noises near the elevator.

Child’s Family in Shock

The victim’s parents, daily-wage workers, are said to be inconsolable. Speaking to reporters, the boy’s mother, through tears, said:

“He had just gone to buy milk. He came back trembling, bruised, and crying. We never imagined something like this could happen right inside our building.”

The child sustained visible injuries on his face, back, and arms. He is currently undergoing treatment and counseling at a local hospital, but doctors say the emotional trauma may take much longer to heal.

“He wakes up screaming,” said a family friend. “He keeps asking, ‘Why did that uncle hit me? What did I do wrong?’ There are no answers.”

Manhunt Launched

Police have launched a manhunt to identify and arrest the accused, who is believed to be a visitor or temporary worker in the building. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading the video further and instead report any information that may help track the suspect.

“We are treating this as a case of grievous assault and child abuse under the IPC and POCSO Act,” said Senior Inspector Ramesh Kadam. “This was not just violence—it was inhuman cruelty.”

Local residents are also under fire, as questions arise about security lapses, lack of background checks, and the absence of a guard at the time of the incident.

Nationwide Outrage

The video has drawn fierce criticism from public figures. Actress Sonam Kapoor tweeted,

“This is beyond horrifying. That child could’ve died. How many more until we protect our children properly?”

Child rights organizations have demanded swift justice and better safety mechanisms in residential buildings.

“We need stricter verification of residents, proper guards, and child-safety awareness drives. Children should never be vulnerable in the spaces meant to be safe,” said Pooja Luthra of the Child Safety Network.

A Wake-Up Call

This brutal attack has served as a chilling reminder of the dangers children can face even in seemingly secure environments. The image of the boy, helpless and terrified, has pierced the hearts of millions.

As Maharashtra police close in on the suspect, the larger question remains: How many more children must suffer before society takes child safety seriously?