Fourteen peoplehave been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a Dalit girl, the police said on Sunday. The girl alleges that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals since the age of 13, with the assaults reportedly taking place at various locations, including her school and sports trai🐻ning camps.
Meanwhile, nine FIRs were registered in two police stations in Pathanamthitta district, sources told PTI on Sunday.
The investigation into the disturbing case began when teachers at the victim’s educational institution noticed significant changes in her behaviour and alerted the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Following her counওselling, the committee notified the police, leading to the formation of a♈ special investigation team headed by the Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The police have reported that the girl was exploited by a mix of sports trainers, fellow athletes, and classmates. Preliminary investigations indicate that multiple incidents of abuse occurred starting with her n🔴eighbour and escalating to involvement by numerous others, including friends of the initial suspect.
In light of the gravity of the allegations, the police have invoked tougher charges unde♈r💃 the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The arrested individuals, aged between 19 and 30, are said to have criminal antecedents.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded the immediate arrest of all accused and requested a detailed action-taken report from the authorities within three days. The Kerala Women's Commission (KWC) has also initiated its own inquiry, directiꩵng the Pathanamthitta Superintendent o෴f Police to submit a report promptly.
🌱Six people were arrested on Friday after the registration of five FIRs at two police stations in the Pathanamthitta district, the police said. So far, 13 people, including a minor, have been apprehended in connection with the case.
“The complaint stated that the girl, an athlete, was sexually assaulted by 64 people. She was subjected𓂃 to rape since the age of 13. It was found that she was abused at school and sports training camp,” the K🐭WC release added.
“Preliminary investigation suggested that the girl, who takes part in school level athletic training, was abused by sports trainers, fellow athletes and others”, PTI quoted a police officer.
Activistꦛs are voicing their outrage, with members of the National Mahila Federation organising a march to the Pathanamthitta police station on Saturday. Former MLA E S Bijimol led th💞e demonstration, calling for swift action against all accused in the case.
CPI(M) politburo member Subhashini Ali also demanded severe punishment to the guilty in the case. “The LDF GOVT and its Child Welfare Council have done w🐼ell in giving the survivor confidence and help. Severe punishment to the guilty. 15 Arrested In Kerala For Rape Of Dalit Minor, Over 60 Al🔴legedly Involved,” she posted on her X account.
The authorities focused on evidence collection concerning all implicated in the case. A detailed statement from the victim is expected to be recorded by a female police office. According to reports, various phone numbers of potential suspects have been found sa🎃veꦰd on the victim's father's mobile phone, indicating the case's complexity may extend beyond local individuals.
