Shocking details emerge in Pathanamthitta teen athlete rape case as 10 more taken into custody

Pathanamthitta: In a recent development, the police have taken ten more individuals into custody in connection with the rape of a teenage athlete in Pathanamthitta. Earlier five were taken into custody. According to reports, further arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.

The teenager was allegedly sexually abused by around 62 people. Cases have been registered across four police stations in the district. The investigation is being expedited, and all suspects are expected to be apprehended soon, according to Advocate Rajeev, Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Efforts are underway to identify the accused and collect evidence regarding the locations and circumstances of the assaults. Reports on the case and arrests are being regularly submitted to the CWC as per legal requirements. The committee chairman indicated that a significant number of reports have already been filed, with the remaining expected within the next few days.

This case is reportedly one of the most significant under the POCSO Act in the state, involving the highest number of accused. The survivor, a Dalit girl under the age of 18, was allegedly subjected to abuse over three and a half years.

The case surfaced when the victim revealed her gory tale of how as a sportswoman she had been sexually exploited by friends, coaches and senior sportsmen since she was 13 years old. The issue came to the fore during a counselling session conducted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Pathanamthitta after the victim's teachers informed the panel about behavioural changes in the teenager. Soon, the CWC handed over the case to the district police chief at Pathanamthitta.

In her preliminary statement, she revealed the names of 40 people whose mobile numbers she had saved on her father's mobile, the device which she was using.

The survivor has stated that the abuse began when her boyfriend, under the pretext of marriage, first assaulted her. He then recorded explicit images, which were later shared with his friends. These images were widely circulated, leading to further abuse by his friends, her classmates, sports trainers, fellow athletes, and neighbours.

The arrested individuals are aged between 19 and 30. The survivor is currently at the Mahila Mandiram.