Pathanamthitta Rape Case: Kerala Police Arrest 57 out of 59 in Pathanamthitta Dalit Girl Sexual Assault Case

Pathanamthitta Rape Case: Kerala Police Arrest 57 out of 59 in Pathanamthitta Dalit Girl Sexual Assault Case


Pathanamthitta, Kerala:

Pathanamthitta Rape Case: Kerala Police Arrest 57 out of 59 in Pathanamthitta Dalit Girl Sexual Assault Case

Pathanamthitta Rape Case: In a shocking case of prolonged sexual abuse, Kerala police have arrested 57 out of 59 accused in connection with the sexual assault of an 18-year-old Dalit girl in Pathanamthitta district. The abuse reportedly spanned over five years, starting when the victim was just 13 years old.

The incident came to light after her teachers noticed behavioral changes and reported it to the District Child Welfare Committee. During counseling sessions, the girl disclosed the scale of abuse, leading to the registration of multiple cases. District police chief VG Vinod Kumar confirmed that 30 cases have been registered across four police stations in the district.

Out of the 62 people named by the victim, 59 have been identified as accused, and 57 have been arrested so far. Two suspects are still abroad, and efforts are being made to arrest them. The last arrest was made on Sunday morning, involving a 25-year-old man taken into custody from his home.

A special investigation team (SIT), headed by IPS officer S. Ajitha Beegam and supervised by VG Vinod Kumar, has been doing an intensive job. The probe will be concluded swiftly and a charge sheet will be filed.

Investigation showed the accused targeting this victim at private bus stand taking her around a few locations by which she would be raped along with multiple episodes of gang raping, where vehicle and the scene of action have been taken around Pathanamthitta General Hospital during the month of January 2024.

She also revealed that five minors were involved in the assaults. In one incident, a youth befriended her through Instagram and lured her to a rubber plantation in Ranni, where he and three others raped her.

The case has wreaked havoc in the entire State of Kerala, with demand for justice from the victim raging loud across various activist and local organizations. Social networking has increased the call for strict action against the perpetrators of this crime and steps of ensuring the safety of vulnerable members in society. The police officials also assured that the probes are very careful in finding out to deliver justice in the shortest possible time.

This harrowing case brings forth the importance of early intervention and community vigilance in protecting the vulnerable from such exploitation. The timely action of teachers and the District Child Welfare Committee in reporting this case underscores how support systems become critical in responding to such crimes. As the investigation continues, it is focused on bringing the perpetrators to justice and providing the victim with the justice and support she deserves.