In Kerala's Kannur, a 23-year-old woman has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually exploiting a 12-year-old schoolgirl. The accused, identified as Sneha Merlin, was taken into custody on Friday following an investigation triggered by the girl’s unusual behavior.
The incident came to light when the girl’s class teacher, during a routine inspection, discovered her mobile phone in her school bag, as per a report on IANS. Upon checking the device, the teacher found inappropriate images that raised immediate concerns. The school authorities, after consulting with the girl’s parents, alerted Child Line, a child protection service.
Girl Reveals During Counseling
During subsequent counseling sessions, the girl revealed that she had been sexually exploited by Sneha Merlin. Further investigation by authorities uncovered that Merlin had been abusing the minor for some time. The arrest was made based on evidence of her inappropriate advances toward the girl in February. It was also revealed that Merlin had given the victim several gifts, possibly as a means to groom her, reported India Today.
The police are now investigating whether there are other victims of Merlin’s alleged crimes. Reports have emerged suggesting that she may have previously exploited a 14-year-old schoolboy, threatening him with public exposure of his pictures if he reported the abuse.
Sneha Merlin had recently been in the news for an unrelated incident where she allegedly attacked a CPI leader with a helmet. That case is still ongoing.
The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, is a stringent legal framework designed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
The case has sparked outrage in the community with calls for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and greater awareness about the signs of grooming and exploitation.
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