Ten more men were arrested on Saturday in the gang-rape case of young sportswoman in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, taking the total number of accused in custody to 15. This comes after the teen athlete accused 62 men of sexual abuse, including her coaches and classmates.
On Friday, five men were arrested by Elavumthitta police and more arrests are likely. Minors are also among the accused with two Class 12 students among those in custody. Information about at least 40 individuals have been obtained so far.
READ MORE: In India we don't know to talk about rape
The survivor, who is now 18, reported the abuse to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). She alleged that the abuse began when she was 13-years-old.
ALSO READ
- German brand launches ‘digital condom’; netizens feel ‘safe’
- Another Badlapur? Two six-year-old girls sexually assaulted by school van driver in Pune
- Badlapur sexual assault: Maharashtra bandh called off after Bombay HC order
- Badlapur students sexual abuse: Parents made to wait 11 hours before FIR?
- 8-year-old girl gang-raped and murdered by school seniors; body thrown into canal
- Suraj Revanna sexual abuse case: Potency, DNA tests done, Prajwal's brother remanded in judicial custody till July 18
The charges slapped on the accused include IPC Section 376(2) for aggravated rape, 376(3) for raping a minor under 16, 376(2) for repeated rape, 376(d) for gang rape and 354A for sexual harassment.
READ MORE: Why India's law still allows men to rape their wives
Charges under POCSO Act include Sections 3(a) and 5(g) for aggravated gang assault on a child, 11 and 12 for sexual harassment of a child while charges under IT Act include Sections 66E for violation of privacy and 67B for transmitting explicit material depicting minors. Other charges include Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act Section 3(2)(v) for offences against members of these communities.
The police are carrying out detailed interrogations of those in custody. The probe is underway across six police stations in Pathanamthitta, including Konni.
Some of the accused are from outside the district. Hence, police from these districts are also expected to join the probe.
The survivor, who is under CWC protection, is reportedly undergoing counselling by a psychologist. Her testimony will be recorded over the next few days in order to avoid strain.
With inputs from Nirmal Jovial