Thirunelly sexual abuse: Congress worker arrested on complaint of Adivasi woman

KALPETTA: Police have arrested a man for allegedly sexually abusing an Adivasi woman in Thirunelly. The arrested person has been identified as Varghese, a native of Pulimood. As per the complaint, the woman was subjected to abuse for over a year. The CPM has demanded strict action against Varghese, who is an active Congress worker.

The abuse was reportedly carried out under the guise of black magic. The accused allegedly threatened the victim by claiming that a "swami" would curse her if she resisted. He also threatened to kill her, subjected her to brutal physical abuse, and blackmailed her using a nude video recorded on his mobile phone.

Although the woman had earlier lodged a complaint with the police, efforts were made to settle the matter privately. It is alleged that local Congress leaders had intervened to settle the matter. The accused prevented the victim from continuing her mental health medication and even abused her in front of her family members. The victim was reportedly coerced into signing a settlement under pressure.