On 10th January, Kerala police stated that they have filed four FIRs against 64 individuals, including classmates and coaches, for allegedly raping a minor sportsperson over two years. The girl, who turned 18 two months ago, was subjected to sexual assault multiple times over the course of two years in Pathanamthitta.
Speaking to the media, the police said that in her complaint, the girl alleged she had been raped multiple times since the age of 16. The case came to light during counselling conducted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Reportedly, teachers at an educational institute noticed changes in the victim’s behaviour, after which they informed the CWC.
So far, five individuals have been arrested by the police in connection with two FIRs. One of the accused is already in jail in connection with a separate case.
Pathanamthitta Child Welfare Committee chairman Rajeev N was quoted by Times of India as saying that the victim first disclosed the sexual assaults during a school counselling session. A police case was subsequently registered based on her complaint after the intervention of the CWC.
The victim, a sportsperson, was allegedly sexually abused at multiple locations, including sports camps, by coaches, classmates, and local residents. Reportedly, the police said that the girl was using her father’s phone as she did not own one. She had saved the numbers of 40 people who had abused her on the phone.
CWC members reportedly took the girl for counselling with a psychologist to ensure that the accusations were genuine. When they realised that the case was “unusual,” the police were informed. “Since we realised that it was an unusual case, we informed the SP and asked him to monitor the probe,” the committee chairman said.
The cases have been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant sections of criminal law in various police stations in the district.
