Navi Mumbai Police launched an investigation after a video showed an Anganwadi worker kicking a young girl, allegedly her own daughter, in the chest at a centre in Panvel. The footage sparked outrage, with parents and locals raising concerns about the safety of children at Anganwadi centres. Officials have also initiated a departmental inquiry into the conduct of the Anganwadi staff. Later, a video surfaced where she said that she was the child’s mother. She alleged that the child was crying and disturbing the class, which prompted her to kick the child out of anger. Anganwadi workers are responsible for providing early childhood education, nutrition and basic healthcare services to children under six, along with supporting pregnant and lactating women. In Maharashtra, they receive a monthly honorarium of Rs. 15,000, while Anganwadi helpers receive Rs. 8,000.