Kerala madrasa teacher accused of abusing 14 students arrested in Bihar after going on the run

A madrasa teacher who had gone into hiding after being booked for allegedly sexually abusing students at an institution in Kerala's Malappuram district has been arrested in Bihar, police said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as A K Muhammad, was taken into custody on Wednesday by a team from Valanchery police station from a remote location in Bihar, officials said.

More students come forward with complaints

According to police, the first case against Muhammad was registered on June 16 after a student lodged a complaint alleging sexual harassment.

Following the registration of the case, 13 more students from the institution in Valanchery came forward with similar allegations. The total number of complainants has now risen to 14.

Police said Muhammad left Kerala soon after the first case was filed against him.

Police tracked accused to remote area

Investigators received information on Saturday that the accused was hiding in a remote part of Bihar. Based on the tip-off, a police team was sent to trace and apprehend him.

Muhammad was subsequently taken into custody. Police said he is being brought back to Kerala after a local court in Bihar granted a transit warrant.

More cases likely

Police suspect Muhammad may have been involved in similar offences while working at other religious institutions in different parts of Kerala in the past.

Investigators are currently recording detailed statements from the students who have filed complaints. Police said additional cases are likely to be registered against the accused in the coming days.