With the detention of 15 more men, the total number of arrested people has gone to 20. The girl, now 18, reportedly said 64 people abused her over the years. A 17-year-old boy, too, was arrested in the case.
Published Jan 12, 2025 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 12, 2025 | 1:42 PM
Five-year-old girl raped and killed in Hubballi
Kerala Police have identified 62 people who had allegedly sexually harassed a minor for over five years and arrested 15 men on Saturday and six on Sunday, 12 January.
With the detention of 21 more men, the total number of arrested people has gone to 26. Among the six people arrested on Sunday, three are minors The girl, now 18, reportedly said 64 people abused her over the years. A 17-year-old boy, too, was arrested in the case.
Though 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 in the Pathanamthitta district.
She reportedly said that her tormenters included coaches, fellow sportspersons, and neighbours. Police said siblings, betrothed and married men were among those arrested.
Shamnad (20), Afzal (21), his brother Ashik (20), Nidhin Prasad (21), Abhinav (18), Karthik (18), Sudhish (27), Appu (31), and a 17-year-old boy were among those arrested on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.
The team, comprising 25 officers, including the Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), will operate under the guidance of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajitha Beegum. The case was handed over to the DIG in light of strict action from the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken serious note of the case.
Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar directed authorities to take immediate action and condemned the heinous crime.
The Commission demanded the immediate arrest of all accused, a fair and time-bound investigation, and necessary support for the victim, including medical and psychological care.
A detailed action taken report has been sought within three days.
The Kerala Women’s Commission took a suo motu case on the incident and asked the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief for a report.
The perpetrators allegedly used explicit photos and videos of the child, recorded and shared among themselves, to coerce her into continued submission.
The case came to light earlier this week, triggering widespread outrage and prompting a swift police investigation.
The survivor, displaying remarkable courage, meticulously documented her abusers, providing crucial leads to the authorities.
“This is a rare and disturbing case of prolonged exploitation,” said a senior police officer, highlighting the victim’s bravery in exposing her abusers.
The investigation, led by a special team under the direct supervision of the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, is said to be facing significant challenges.
The incidents occurred over five years, requiring the identification and location of numerous perpetrators, some of whom may have left the district or even the country.
“A case of this magnitude, involving more than 60 perpetrators, may be unprecedented in a POCSO case,” said another police officer, emphasizing the need for robust scientific evidence to ensure that no one escapes justice.
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala strongly condemned the incident and demanded swift and stringent action against all those involved.
“Such incidents disgrace our state,” he said and urged the government to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.
Chennithala expressed concern over the possibility of sabotage in the investigation, given the large number of accused, and demanded that honest officers be entrusted with the probe.
He also criticised the government’s perceived apathy in addressing the issue, urging them to take proactive steps to prevent such heinous crimes in the future.
Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan had demanded the formation of an SIT led by a female IPS officer to probe the case.
In a statement, Satheesan described the incident as a “shocking blow to the conscience of society” and called for a thorough investigation to ensure no perpetrator escapes justice.
The statement also highlighted the failure of societal systems, pointing out that the abuse went unnoticed by the victim’s parents, teachers, and classmates.
The leader emphasised the need for systemic reforms, including efficient counselling systems in schools, better engagement in PTA meetings, regular medical camps, and awareness programmes to enhance child safety.
“Every citizen, along with the legal system, has the responsibility to ensure the safety of our children,” the statement read, urging vigilant government intervention to prevent such heinous crimes in the future.
Responding to the outrage, Women and Child Development Minister Veena George assured that all accused would be brought to justice.
“This heinous crime will not go unpunished,” she stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
