aNEW DELHI: Kerala Police have arrested fifteen people, including a minor, for the alleged rape of a Dalit teenager. Nine of the arrests were made Saturday, following an initial six on Friday. The victim, now 18 and an athlete, told police she was repeatedly assaulted since she was 16. Over 60 individuals are involved, according to her statement.
The arrests followed the filing of five FIRs in two Pathanamthitta district police stations. Meanwhile, Police anticipate further arrests. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).
According to Pathanamthitta Police quoted by ANI, accused Subin (24), VK Vineeth (30), K Anandu (21), S Sandeep (30), and Sreeni alias S Sudhi (24) are named in a case registered at the Ilavumthitta station. In a separate Pocso case, Achu Anand (21) is also accused. Sudhi, the fifth accused in the first case, is presently in jail in connection with another Pocso case filed by the Pathanamthitta police earlier.
The girl reported being abused by sports trainers, fellow athletes, and classmates. A police officer stated, “Preliminary investigation suggested that the girl, who takes part in school level athletic training, was abused by sports trainers, fellow athletes and others.” The assaults reportedly occurred in various locations, including Achankottumala, Chuttippara, and her school.
The victim’s statement indicates the abuse began when she was 13, initiated by a neighbor. Police are investigating whether she was subjected to gang rape. They are also examining her father’s mobile phone records and a diary to identify suspects. Forty individuals have been identified so far.
The Pathanamthitta Child Welfare Committee (CWC) revealed the case surfaced during counseling after the victim’s teachers reported behavioral changes. The CWC chairman noted the girl has been exploited since the age of 13 and is undergoing psychological counseling. The CWC also discovered potential suspects’ phone numbers saved on her father’s phone. They believe individuals outside the district may be involved.
A special investigation team led by the Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police is investigating. Activists and political figures are demanding the arrest of all those involved. CPI(M) politburo member Subhashini Ali posted on X: “The LDF GOVT and its Child Welfare Council have done well in giving the survivor confidence and help. Severe punishment to the guilty.”
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the sexual abuse case. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar directed the commission to support the victim and ensure a thorough investigation. The NCW has demanded an action taken within three days and condemned the crime, urging immediate arrests of all accused. They also called for a fair investigation and necessary medical and psychological support for the victim.