Kerala police have filed five cases and detained at least 28 people after an 18-year-old Dalit athlete from Pathanamthitta district accused approximately 60 individuals, including fellow athletes, coaches, and classmates, of sexually abusing her over the past five years, according to a BBC report. So far, 28 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The accused men are currently in custody and have not made any public statements.
Dalit Woman In India Alleges Rape By 64 Men
Police have recorded around 18 cases under India's different criminal statutes, as well as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which is a legislation designed to prohibit crimes against individuals from lower castes and tribes in India.
Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police VG Vinod Kumar has created a special investigation team to conduct the case. "A thorough investigation is underway," a senior police official told the BBC. Since the victim was a young child at the time of the abuse, cases have been recorded under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, according to senior police officer Nandakumar S. More cases are anticipated to be filed in the following days, as the police continue to investigate the subject.
A 25-member team has been formed. In her police testimony, the victim, a district-level athlete, stated that she was assaulted by 62 people, beginning with her neighbour and friend when she was 13 years old. Some of the accused in detention are acquaintances of the accused, and police are investigating if the suspects gang-raped the victim, according to an officer.
Her neighbour reportedly sexually attacked her again when she was 16 years old, took videos of the abuse, and shared them with numerous others who continued to harass her for several years. According to the girl's statement, the perpetrators used to speak with her using her father's mobile phone without his knowledge.
Last month, a team of therapists visited the woman's house and discovered the issue at hand. The counsellors notified the CWC of the situation, and the lady was summoned to appear before the committee alongside her mother. "She was given counselling, and she opened up to a psychologist, narrating the sexual abuse she has been subjected to since the age of 13," the CWC head told The Indian Express.
He further stated that the woman has been transferred to a shelter affiliated with the CWC for her safety. The woman's claims have caused shockwaves throughout the country. She is anticipated to provide a lengthy account on the alleged mistreatment to a female police officer.
National Women’s Commission Seeks Report From Police
Police said her parents were unaware of the abuse. It has been learned that people from beyond the Pathanamthitta area may be linked in the case.
Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has directed the state police to file a report within three days of the incident.
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