A harrowing case has surfaced in Kerala, where over 62 men have been accused of sexually exploiting a female athlete over a span of five years, starting from the time she was just 13 years old. The police have arrested five individuals in connection with the abuse, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Abuse Begins with Coercion and Escalates Over Time
The abuse reportedly began when a 13-year-old girl from Pathanamthitta district was forced to watch explicit content by a local boy, which led to a series of sexual assaults. As the abuse continued, several other men from the area began threatening the victim. The most shocking incident occurred when the girl was taken by force to a hill where she was assaulted by a group of men. After remaining silent for years, the victim disclosed the horrifying truth to her family, prompting them to immediately report the matter to the Child Welfare Committee.
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Police Investigation Underway: 62 Suspects Identified
Pathanamthitta district police have launched a thorough investigation, questioning the suspects, the victim’s coach, and fellow athletes. The police have registered four FIRs and arrested five individuals so far. A special team has been formed under the leadership of Police Chief VG Vinod Kumar to track down the remaining suspects. In the preliminary stages of the investigation, authorities have identified 62 men involved in the abuse. Forty of the accused face charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act. The arrested individuals include Subin, S. Sandeep, VK Vineeth, K. Anand, and Shree.
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Victim’s Welfare and Further Investigation
The victim, who has been moved to a shelter home for protection, is being provided with necessary support by the Child Welfare Committee and law enforcement. Despite the case being registered at the Elavuntitta police station, other police stations are also involved in the investigation due to the large number of suspects.
Shyamala Devi, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, indicated that further suspects may be involved and confirmed that additional information would be provided within the next two days. she also mentioned that the Child Protection Officer would meet the victim on January 11 to gather additional evidence. “We are prioritizing the athlete’s mental well-being and privacy. Necessary counseling services are being arranged for her,” she added.