PATHANAMTHITTA: On Saturday, police reported that nine additional individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a Dalit girl, an athlete, at multiple locations when she was a minor. The police stated that a total of 15 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case so far.
They added that six individuals were arrested on Friday after five FIRs were filed across two police stations in the Pathanamthitta district. According to the police, the arrests were made following the statement of an 18 year old girl, who claimed she had been raped multiple times since the age of 16. The police further stated that evidence had been obtained showing the girl was exploited by individuals, including her coaches, fellow athletes, and classmates.
According to the girl's statement, she had used her father's mobile phone to communicate with the suspects. Police sources added that 40 individuals have been identified after verifying the phone details and information from a diary in her possession. They added that over 60 people are suspected to be involved in the case, with FIRs filed at various police stations in Pathanamthitta. The arrests of those in custody are expected to be recorded by Saturday evening.
A senior police official stated that since the incidents occurred when the girl was a minor, sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act will also be invoked against the accused.
Meanwhile, the Pathanamthitta Child Welfare Committee (CWC) stated that individuals from outside the district may also be implicated in the case. The CWC chairman stated that the girl had been a victim of sexual exploitation since the age of 13. Describing the case as unusual, he mentioned that she was referred to a psychologist for more in-depth counseling. The CWC also disclosed that several phone numbers of potential suspects were found saved on her father's phone.
The police stated that five FIRs have been registered in connection with the rape incident, allegedly involving multiple individuals, and that additional FIRs will be filed along with more arrests. The issue came to light during counseling by the Child Welfare Committee, after the victim's teachers at an educational institution alerted the panel about noticeable changes in her behavior. The committee then informed the police, who launched an investigation. A senior police officer stated that a special investigation team, led by the Pathanamthitta DySP, has been formed to conduct the inquiry. A detailed investigation is currently underway.