Five individuals, identified as Subin, S. Sandeep, V.K. Vineeth, K. Anandu, and Srini, have been arrested in connection with the case. Cases have been registered under POCSO and Prevention of atrocities against SC/ST act.
Published Jan 11, 2025 | 8:08 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 11, 2025 | 10:01 AM
The girls was sexually abused by more than 60 men over five years.
An 18-year-old athlete was allegedly sexually assaulted by over 60 men, including her coaches and fellow sportspersons for over five years.
The survivor, a Dalit, revealed that the abuse began when was 13 years old when her neighbour showed her pornographic videos, which escalated into physical assault and exploitation by multiple men. Explicit photos and videos of the child, recorded by a ‘friend’, was used to threaten her and subject her to repeated abuse over the years. The explicit material was also allegedly shared among perpetrators.
The case came to light when the survivor disclosed the abuse to the Child Welfare Committee in Pathanamthitta, which promptly alerted the authorities.
The Pathanamthitta District Police Chief VG Vinodkumar has formed a special team to investigate the allegation. He is directly supervising the probe.
The survivor, police sources said, played a crucial role in exposing her alleged abusers by saving their phone numbers. She meticulously documented their details, which became vital evidence for the police.
“This is a rare and disturbing case of prolonged exploitation, made even more significant by the victim’s resolve to document her abusers, enabling a comprehensive investigation,” said a senior police officer.
The survivor is said to have first disclosed her ordeal to the Snehitha Gender Help Desk under Kudumbashree in Pandalam. She was then referred to the District Child Welfare Committee and later to the Nirbhaya shelter home in Konni, where she shared her experiences with psychologists who recorded her testimony.
The information was then handed over to the District Police Chief, leading to a large-scale probe. Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the accused may be minors.
Preliminary investigations identified at least 62 potential perpetrators, with cases registered against 40 individuals under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Five individuals, identified as Subin, S Sandeep, VK Vineeth, K Anandu, and Srini, have been arrested in connection with the case.
The police are working closely with the Child Welfare Committee to ensure the survivor receives the necessary support and protection. The girl has been shifted to a shelter home, and further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the abuse.
Though the case has been registered at the Elavumthitta Police Station, it will be investigated by officers from other stations also considering the number of perpetrators allegedly involved.
At the same time, Adv. Syamala Devi, a CWC member, informed South First that more people could be involved in the case.
“We are currently gathering the details. The girl has been shifted to a shelter home. Further information will be revealed tomorrow (Saturday, 11 January),” she said.
According to another member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the revelation was made during a counseling session, prompting the CWC to immediately notify law enforcement.
The member stated that to gather evidence, a Child Protection Officer will interview the child on Saturday, 11 January. The statement, according to the member, will be crucial for the investigation and ensuring appropriate support for the victim.
The member also added that the CWC is prioritizing the child’s privacy and emotional well-being, with counseling services being arranged.
The incident has brought back memories of the infamous Suryanelli serial rape case of 1996, in which a 16-year-old girl was kidnapped and raped by more than 35 men over a period of 40 days.
(With inputs from Sreelekshmi Soman. Edited by Majnu Babu).
