Kerala police arrest 42 accused of sexually assaulting Dalit teen in Pathanamthitta

The police investigation revealed that the abuse occurred at various locations, including public spaces and her school.

The Kerala police have arrested 42 individuals and identified 58 accused in connection with the Pathanamthitta POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case, in which an 18-year-old Dalit woman said that over 60 men sexually assaulted and abused her. As many as 29 cases have been registered in four different police stations in Pathanamthitta district.

According to reports, the survivor gave statements against 62 individuals, however, the police identified only 58 individuals as accused due to the lack of proper evidence. One of the accused is currently abroad and police will issue a lookout notice.

The abuse began in 2019 when she was 13 years old. Her neighbour, Subin (24), molested her and captured her nude photographs. He also allegedly sexually assaulted her when she was 16, recorded explicit videos, and shared them with other accused individuals, who also assaulted her over the subsequent years.

The police investigation revealed that the abuse occurred at various locations, including public spaces and her school. According to reports, she was subjected to gang rape on least five locations including Pathanamthitta General Hospital.

Since the survivor was a minor when the incidents occurred, those arrested have been charged under various sections of the POCSO Act and then the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The arrested include minors.

The abuse came to light during counselling conducted by the institution where the survivor is currently studying. They informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) that they registered the case and informed the police. Currently, the investigation is being led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Nandakumar and Inspector Vinod Krishnan.

Courtesy : TNM

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