KOTTAYAM: Sudarshanan (56), an astrologer and an ex-serviceman, has been arrested for molesting a 15-year-old Dalit girl in Vaikam. It is alleged that he molested the girl numerous times since November 2022.

He threatened to kill the child's family and spread the photo and video if the information was disclosed. The mentally exhausted girl told this information to her friends and class teacher. Following that, the school administration notified the Vaikom Police and Scheduled Caste Department.

On July 12, the police recorded the child's statement and registered the case. Then she was presented to the court and a secret statement was recorded. The suspect was absconding when he got to know the information. The survivor's family had come forward against the fact that the accused was not arrested even after the case was registered and the investigation started. Later, the police arrested the suspect. The family also alleged that the police first gave the accused, who had money and influence, a chance to escape.