10 arrested in POCSO case involving Kerala Dalit athlete; over 40 individuals identified

10 people have been arrested, and over 15 others are being questioned in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of an 18-year-old Dalit athlete from Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Police have identified over 40 individuals so far, with the investigation expected to uncover more perpetrators.

The survivor, a district-level athlete, has alleged that 64 individuals sexually abused her over the past five years, starting when she was only 13-year-old.

Shockingly, the accused include her relatives, individuals close to her family, and people associated with sports camps, including trainers.

The case, registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, highlights the severe neglect and systemic failures that allowed such crimes to persist undetected for years.

How the abuse came to light

The harrowing case came to light when volunteers from the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society encountered the survivor during a routine field visit.

Sensing her distress, they encouraged her to speak up about her experiences.

The volunteers then alerted the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which took immediate action.

Advocate N Rajeev, the chairperson of the Pathanamthitta CWC, revealed to the media, “The survivor, accompanied by her mother, approached the committee around 15 days ago. She was given counselling and narrated her ordeal to a psychologist, recounting years of abuse she endured in silence.”

According to Rajeev, the girl’s family, including her mother, was completely unaware of the abuse.

“Since she is an athlete, she frequently attended sports camps. These situations may have provided opportunities for the perpetrators to exploit her,” he said.

Investigation unfolds

Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police V G Vinod Kumar confirmed that two FIRs have been registered, and the investigation is being led by a deputy superintendent of police.

“More cases will be registered as new evidence is verified,” Kumar stated.

The survivor reportedly used her father’s mobile phone to stay connected, which became a key source of evidence.

“Most of the accused were identified through contacts saved in her father’s phone. Many of these individuals are now under scrutiny,” Rajeev added.

Psychologists under the Nirbhaya scheme have been involved in verifying the survivor’s claims.

“The investigation is progressing, and the involvement of additional suspects cannot be ruled out,” Kumar said.

To ensure her safety, the survivor has been relocated to a shelter home under the CWC’s supervision.

Authorities have assured that all steps are being taken to provide her with the necessary protection and support.

The case has sparked outrage and demands for swift justice across the state, with many pointing out systemic failures in addressing the vulnerabilities faced by minors, especially girls from marginalized communities.

The police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in holding the perpetrators accountable.