The number of arrests in the Pathanamthitta gang-rape case has risen to 43, with 14 accused taken into custody on Monday. Until last night, the police had arrested 29 individuals for the sexual exploitation of the Dalit girl, a budding sportsperson.
The survivor, now 18, reported the abuse to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), alleging that it began when she was just 13 years old. So far, 29 FIRs have been filed in the case.
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.
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 survivor, currently under the protection of the CWC, is reportedly receiving counseling from a psychologist. The investigation team plans to record detailed statements from her parents and brother again.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Thiruvananthapuram Range, Ajeetha Begum, is overseeing the investigation. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief V.G Vinodkumar IPS and DySP S. Nandakumar lead the investigation.
With 58 accused, this case has already become the largest sexual exploitation case in Kerala’s history in terms of the number of accused.
The police have stated that a lookout notice has been issued for the accused who are abroad. Meanwhile, MP Kodikunnil Suresh has called for the case to be handed over to the CBI for further investigation.
