Teenage Girl Sexual Assault in Kerala: 43 Detained, 29 Cases Filed as Investigation Intensifies
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Pathanamthitta, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) examining the recurrent sexual assault of a teenage girl in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district has initiated 29 cases across five police stations in the region and apprehended 43 suspects related to the investigation up to this point.
The victim, who has allegedly faced abuse from approximately 62 individuals, has revealed alarming information that has propelled the investigation forward. On just Sunday, 13 fresh cases were logged, and six additional arrests were executed as the SIT scrutinized the victim’s diary and her father’s mobile device, which she had been utilizing.
Among those arrested are three minors and four students who are preparing for their Class 12 board exams next month. The SIT has also pinpointed several suspects who are currently living overseas. The majority of those detained are within the age range of 17 to 28.
As per the victim’s account, she was abused at various sites, including isolated rubber plantations, vehicles, and other locations in the district. The assaults are reported to have commenced when she was 13 years old, perpetrated by acquaintances, coaches, senior athletes, and others who took advantage of her status as a sportswoman. She was transported to different venues in vehicles and subjected to maltreatment.
This case came to public awareness during a counseling session organized by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) following reports from her teachers regarding noticeable behavioral changes. During the session, she revealed the depth of her trauma. Subsequently, the CWC referred the matter to the Pathanamthitta district police chief.
In her initial testimony, the victim, now 18, named 40 suspects, whose contact information was stored on her father’s mobile phone. FIRs have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The incident has garnered significant attention, reminiscent of other notorious sexual assault cases in Kerala, such as the Suryanelli, Vithura, and Kozhikode cases.
