Pathanamthitta, Jan 11 (NationPress) Five individuals have been taken into custody, while another ten are under investigation for their involvement in the series of sexual assaults on a teenage girl in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district.
The victim has reportedly endured sexual abuse from approximately 62 individuals.
This unsettling case came to light when the young athlete disclosed her traumatic experience of being exploited by acquaintances, coaches, and older athletes since the age of 13.
The revelation was made during a counseling session facilitated by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Pathanamthitta following alerts from the victim's teachers regarding noticeable changes in her behavior.
Subsequently, the CWC referred the matter to the district police chief in Pathanamthitta.
In her initial statement, the victim provided the names of 40 individuals, whose contact information she had stored on her father's mobile phone, which she was using.
The local police departments in Elavanthitta, Konni, and Pathanamthitta have filed five FIRs, with more anticipated in the near future.
The FIRs have been lodged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Authorities have apprehended five suspects, all under the age of 30. One of the detained individuals is already imprisoned for offenses against a minor.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the District Police Chief has established a specialized team comprised of senior officers from the district.
Further updates are awaited.
Over the years, Kerala has garnered significant media attention due to similar incidents, including the notorious Suryanelli, Vithura, and Kozhikode cases.
