Girl was sexually abused at training camp as well; 20 persons arrested so far

PATHANAMTHITTA: A total of 20 people have been arrested so far in the case in which a young athlete was sexually assaulted in Pathanamthitta. Earlier, 14 individuals were arrested in the case. Today, six more people, including three auto-rickshaw drivers, were arrested from Ranni. Among those arrested today are a man, who got recently engaged, and a Plus Two student. Seven FIRs have been registered across various police stations in connection with the incident. The Kerala Women’s Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of the case. The Chairperson of the Commission, P Sathi Devi, has directed the Pathanamthitta SP to submit an urgent report on the matter.

The girl was first sexually abused at the age of 13 by a friend named Subin. Subin had recorded the visuals of the abuse that took place at a rubber plantation on a mobile phone and circulated it among his friends. Following this, Subin's friends sexually abused the girl after blackmailing her using this video. The girl alleged that she was abused by 64 people, and the police have identified 62 of them. The investigation revealed that the girl was sexually assaulted even by her coaches. The accused also exploited the girl's family situation.

The girl used her father’s phone at night, and some of the people she interacted with or became acquainted with were among those who assaulted her. She was assaulted in various locations, including in a car, at school, and even at home. The school-level athlete was also subjected to abuse during a training camp. The perpetrators threatened her using video footage to intimidate and sexually abuse her. The investigation is being led by the Pathanamthitta Police Chief.