Kerala teen athlete alleges years of abuse
What's the story
An 18-year-old Dalit athlete from Kerala's Pathanamthitta district has alleged that she was sexually abused by over 60 people in the last five years.
The accused include fellow athletes, coaches, and classmates.
The Kerala Police have arrested 42 people so far and registered 29 First Information Reports (FIRs) at various police stations including Pathanamthitta, Elavumthitta, Pandalam, and Malayalapuzha.
Testimony recorded
Survivor shares ordeal, sparks investigation
The survivor first approached the Snehitha Gender Help Desk under Kudumbashree in Pandalam. She was then referred to the district child welfare committee and subsequently to the Nirbhaya shelter home in Konni.
At the shelter, she narrated her abuse to psychologists who recorded her testimony.
The survivor alleged her abuse started at 13 with a male friend who used explicit photos/videos of her for blackmail.
SIT formed
Special investigation team formed to probe abuse case
Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police V G Vinod Kumar has formed a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the case.
South Zone DIG Ajeetha Begum Sultan is monitoring the investigation.
"Police are collecting scientific evidence in all the cases registered in the incident," Kumar said.
The SIT is now actively pursuing leads from the survivor's father's mobile phone and a diary she maintained, which helped identify at least 40 suspects.
Assault details
Survivor details multiple incidents of assault
The survivor narrated several incidents of gang rape at different places in Pathanamthitta district.
In one case, she was allegedly raped by six men in a car near a rubber plantation in Ranni after being picked up from a bus stand.
Another incident took place near Pathanamthitta General Hospital last January.
The police invoked sections of IPC, POCSO, and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the accused.
Support provided
Survivor and mother receive support amid threats
The survivor is now being taken care of at a shelter home run by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Her mother might also be shifted to a shelter home after she received threats from families of some accused.
"The mother is feeling a bit vulnerable right now," an official said, adding both mother and daughter will continue to receive support during this difficult time.
A senior official of the child welfare committee said people from outside Pathanamthitta may also be involved as investigations are underway.