CHOTTANIKKARA: A male friend has been taken into custody after a 19-year-old girl was found in a debilitated condition. The girl, a victim of POCSO case was found in a feeble condition inside her house in Chottanikkara on Sunday. She was found half-naked and injured with a rope tied around her neck.

The girl had a wound on her hand and there were ants in it. The girl, who is presently undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Kochi, is in a critical condition.

Police said the girl was subjected to brutal harassment. It is believed that her male friend, who is in custody, is behind the act. He is an accused in a criminal case. The police have started a detailed investigation into the incident.