Sexual assault under guise of rescue: Police to re-record victim’s statement amid allegations of intimidation

ALAPPUZHA: The investigation into the sexual assault of a Thiruvananthapuram-based IT professional continues as the Kayamkulam DySP prepares to record a secondary statement from the complainant. The victim, a native of Kollam, was allegedly sexually assaulted by a businessman who approached her under the guise of a rescuer following a midnight car accident.

Investigation and victim status

The investigating officer reportedly contacted the woman via telephone, stating that a new statement was necessary because the initial FIR and recorded testimony were deemed "unsatisfactory."

The victim is currently hospitalised in Thiruvananthapuram, receiving treatment for significant injuries sustained during the accident, including damage to her leg, shoulder, and jaw. When the victim noted that her ability to travel depended on medical clearance, the DySP offered to travel to the hospital to record her statement.

Status of the Accused

Despite the active investigation, police have yet to confirm the whereabouts of the suspect or provide updates on his potential arrest.

Disciplinary action against the accused

In response to the allegations, the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES) has taken swift internal action against the accused, Sinil Savad.

• Suspension: State President Raju Apsara announced Savad's suspension from the primary membership of the organization.
• Leadership Change: Savad previously served as the president of the Kayamkulam unit. The current unit secretary, Shibu, has been appointed as the acting president to fill the vacancy.

Allegations of assault and intimidation

The victim provided a detailed account of the perpetrator's appearance and his actions following the accident, alleging that the "rescue" was a front for sexual assault and witness tampering.

The victim noted specific details regarding the individuals at the scene:

The man who arrived in a goods auto was wearing a saffron shirt and lungi, while the victim recalls that Sinil Savad was wearing a white shirt and pants. Another unidentified individual was present on a motorcycle with the accused.

Details of the assault

According to the statement, the physical assault began under the guise of providing assistance:

"Sinil Savad harassed me by putting his hand inside my clothes, claiming he was trying to lift me because I had difficulty walking. This assault continued until I was placed into the vehicle."

The harassment did not end at the scene of the accident. The victim alleges that Savad followed her to Kayamkulam Taluk Hospital to ensure her silence:

While she was still unable to speak due to her injuries, the accused allegedly approached her and issued a threat: "You have no problem or complaint about this incident. Get a reference and leave for your hometown immediately."

The victim first reported the assault to the staff in the hospital's X-ray room, who subsequently advised her to inform the police.

The victim further alleged that while she was in the process of recording her statement with the police, an associate of the accused contacted her friend and offered a bribe of ₹25 lakh to drop the case.

The victim explicitly rejected Savad's claim that he was simply trying to move her to a better medical facility. She stated:

• The care at Kayamkulam Taluk Hospital was satisfactory.
• If the accused truly intended to help, there were other high-facility hospitals within Kayamkulam he could have taken her to, rather than pressuring her to leave the area entirely.

District Police Chief M.P. Mohanachandran addressed the media to clarify that there were no procedural lapses in the handling of the case, confirming that a preliminary investigation report has been submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP). He maintained that the case was registered without delay and that the complainant underwent a medical examination on the first day. Regarding the suspect's status, the SP explained that because the current charges carry a maximum sentence of less than seven years, the accused was released after being served a formal notice. Furthermore, the Kayamkulam DySP has been specifically tasked with investigating the allegations of threats and intimidation, with the SP noting that additional legal sections may be added as the probe progresses.

"I remember everything"

Despite the official procedural defence, the victim remains steadfast in her demand for justice, dismissing any suggestion that her injuries or the trauma of the accident clouded her memory. The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 AM on March 3 at the Kayamkulam KPAC Junction while she was travelling to Malayattoor in an autorickshaw that struck a divider. While the crash left her struggling for breath and with a weakened voice, she emphasises that she never lost consciousness and maintains a vivid, distinct memory of the "rescue" operation. She continues to demand the strongest possible legal action against Sinil Savad, asserting that she clearly remembers the details of the assault and the betrayal of trust that followed.