Even as more individuals are being taken into custody in connection with the alleged abuse of a minor Dalit girl in Pathanamthitta, the police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to intensify the probe.
The SIT, headed by the Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP) Nandakumar, will work under the supervision of District Police Chief V.G. Vinod Kumar. The team consists of 25 officers, including women officers from various police stations across the district.
The number of arrests in the case has risen to 27, including four minors. Among those arrested, three individuals were apprehended from Pampa, where they were working as temporary employees, and six others were detained from Ranni.
The investigation has also resulted in the registration of nine new FIRs at Elavumthitta and an additional case filed in Pathanamthitta. Investigations have revealed that several of the accused had initially met the victim at the Pathanamthitta private bus stand, from where she was taken to multiple locations and subjected to abuse.
Officials have indicated that the scope of the investigation may extend to more police stations within Pathanamthitta and possibly to areas outside the district.
Report sought
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Chairperson P. Satheedevi has instructed the District Police Chief to submit a detailed report within a week.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has expressed shock over the incident and noted that it underscored serious flaws in the system. “The fact that this young girl endured abuse for five years without her parents, teachers, or classmates being aware of it is deeply unsettling for Kerala society. It’s essential to investigate whether other crimes remain undiscovered,” he said.
Mr. Satheesan emphasised the need for strengthening school counselling systems and adopting teaching methodologies to address children’s problems proactively.
“Special attention must be given to schools with a significant population of marginalised children. In addition to counselling, medical camps should be organised at least once every three months,” he added.
Published – January 13, 2025 04:37 am IST
