Kerala Minor's Sexual Assault: 30 FIRs Filed, 44 Arrested, 2 Accused Abroad, Say Police
The 18-year-old girl, who was a minor at the time of the crimes, alleged that she was sexually abused by over 62 persons.
The Special Investigation Team of Kerala has arrested 44 people in connection with the case of alleged sexual abuse of a Dalit girl in Pathanamthitta, according to a senior police officer of the district. On Tuesday, DIG Ajeetha Begum told PTI that 44 persons have been arrested out of the 59 accused mentioned in the 30 FIRs registered regarding the alleged sexual assault of the girl.
"Two of the accused are absconding. They are abroad at present. We are considering issuing Look out Circulars for them. We are also planning to issue a Red Corner notice for them through Interpol," the officer told TV channels, as per the report. Apart from this, 13 others have to be arrested, she added, as per the report.
The officer said: "We are searching for their locations. They will be arrested soon. A foolproof and scientific investigation will be carried out by the SIT. We will not spare any of the accused. There will be no compromise. We will bring all of them before the law."
The SIT is currently led by Pathanamthitta Deputy SP P S Nandakumar under the supervision of District Police Chief V G Vinod Kumar. The team has 30 police officers reportedly from various ranks and stations. According to DIG Ajitha Beegam, more officers would be included in the SIT if Sabarimala pilgrimage is completed.
The 18-year-old girl, who was a minor at the time of the crimes, alleged that she was sexually abused by over 62 persons from the age of 13. The series of crimes came to light after she opened up to the Child Welfare Committee about the abuses faced by her. The victim's teachers also reportedly saw changes in her behaviour and informed the panel about it.