Pathanamthitta school assault case: Six individuals released, police cite contradictions in victim's statement

PATHANAMTHITTA: Police have temporarily released six out of twelve individuals taken into custody in connection with the case in which a 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by her schoolmates. Officials said the decision was taken because the girl's statements and the circumstances surrounding the case contained contradictions, making a detailed investigation necessary. Police had earlier taken 12 people, including four minors, into custody based on the girl's statement. They had also registered two POCSO cases in connection with the incident.

According to police, the victim is a Class 9 student. It was the girl's sister who first informed a school teacher about the alleged abuse. The teacher then reported the matter to Childline. More details regarding the sexual assault came out during the counselling sessions conducted by Childline. During the counselling, the girl named 10 schoolmates whom she accused of sexually assaulting her. According to her statement, the incidents took place at a female classmate's house and inside the school toilet. The female classmate has also been named as an accused in the POCSO case. The 13-year-old victim was later shifted to a Childline shelter home.

Meanwhile, the Child Rights Commission had also registered a suo motu case based on media reports. It has also sought reports from the District Child Protection Officer, the District Police Chief and the Child Welfare Committee.