WASHINGTON — A Silver Spring, Maryland, caregiver has had her at-home day care license revoked following abuse allegations that have police appealing for information about any other potential victims.
Christina Dhanaraj, 65, is charged with attacking a toddler in her home on Winding Waye Lane which is in a neighborhood of manicured lawns and sidewalks off Randolph Road near Georgia Avenue.
Police said video evidence recorded by an adult in the home depicts an unprovoked attack.
“The video shows the 2-year-old female victim sitting quietly,” Montgomery County police Sgt. Rebecca Innocente told WTOP.
What then begins as verbal scolding leads to Dhanaraj slapping the girl about eight times, forcefully pushing the child and grabbing the toddler’s head with a jerking motion, Innocente said.
Dhanaraj admitted committing the abuse when she was arrested and questioned on Jan. 12, according to police.
Dhanaraj has run the at-home day care for about 10 years.
“So of course, there is the potential for additional victims,” Innocente said. Anyone with information is asked to call Montgomery County police at 240-773-5400.
Charged with second-degree child abuse, Dhanaraj is free on bond and next due in court on Feb. 9.
