The Dalit girl, an athlete, had been undergoing abuse since she was 13. The incident came to light when she confided the matter in a volunteer of Kudumbashree Mission’s Snehitha initiative
Published Jan 20, 2025 | 4:53 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 20, 2025 | 4:53 PM
Five-year-old girl raped and killed in Hubballi
In swift response to the serial sexual assault case of a Dalit athlete, Pathanamthitta police have apprehended 57 individuals within just 10 days of registering the complaint. The case, which has triggered multiple investigations, includes suspects across several police stations in the district.
District Police Chief VG Vinodkumar confirmed that legal actions are in place to bring back two of the suspects who are currently abroad. Efforts are underway to ensure their return and face charges in the case.
The investigation, which spans 30 separate cases across four police stations, was triggered by the victim’s statement.
Of the total cases, 11 are being handled by Pathanamthitta police, 17 by Elavumthitta, and one each by Pandalam and Malayalapuzha police.
Among the 57 arrested, five are minors. Once all the suspects are detained, an identification parade will be conducted to verify the involvement of each individual.
The Dalit girl, an athlete, had been undergoing abuse since she was 13. The incident came to light when she confided the matter in a volunteer of Kudumbashree Mission’s Snehitha initiative during a gender awareness programme.
The girl, now 18, reportedly said 64 people abused her over the years.
She reportedly said that her tormenters included coaches, fellow sportspersons, and neighbours. Police said siblings, betrothed and married men, and minors were among those arrested.
VG Vinod Kumar said, ‘’The girl testified that she had been abused by 62 people. but clear evidence was not available against four of them.”
The survivor’s distressing testimony revealed she had been gang-raped at multiple locations, including the Pathanamthitta General Hospital and other areas within the municipality.
To accelerate the probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the state government. Headed by Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Nandakumar, the team worked under the oversight of Vinod Kumar and guidance from Thiruvananthapuram Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajitha Beegum.
The case was transferred to the DIG following a directive from the National Commission for Women (NCW), emphasising stringent measures.
The SIT consists of 25 officers drawn from various police stations. Key members include Pathanamthitta Inspector D Shibukumar, Elavumthitta Inspector TK Vinod Krishnan, Ranni Inspector Jibu John, and Sub-Inspector KR Shemi Mol from the women’s police station.
The police have assured that the investigation is ongoing, and additional legal procedures are being followed to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
