Pathanamthitta rape case: SC/ST Commission seeks report; 43 arrested so far

Thiruvananthapuram: Based on media reports alleging that a Dalit girl was assaulted by around 60 people in Pathanamthitta, the Kerala State Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes has sought a detailed report. The commission has directed the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief to submit the report within a week.

Meanwhile, in the case of the sexual assault of the Pathanamithitta Dalit girl, 58 individuals have been named as accused. Although the girl initially testified that 62 people were involved, clear evidence was lacking against four persons, according to the police. District Police Chief VG Vinod Kumar stated that all 58 accused would be arrested. With 15 more arrests made on Monday, the total number of arrests has now reached 43.

One of the accused is reportedly abroad. The police stated that a lookout notice would be issued if necessary to apprehend him. The remaining accused are believed to be within the police limits.

A member of the Child Rights Commission, N Sunanda, visited the victim. The commission has ensured that the girl receives the necessary medical support. It has also directed the District Child Protection Officer to provide financial assistance from the relief fund. Sunanda added that doctors have confirmed that the girl’s health condition is satisfactory.

Earlier the police had revealed that the victim was gang-raped at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital and also at a rubber plantation. Several accused reportedly took the girl from the Pathanamthitta private bus stand in private vehicles.