Pathanamithitta: In the shocking rape case involving a Dalit girl, 30% of the accused arrested so far are teenagers. Out of the 60 suspects, 20 are adolescents, with five under the age of 17. Only two of the accused are above 30 years of age. Most of the accused are aged between 18 and 25, making this the largest POCSO case in the state based on the number of accused and teenage involvement. Police have arrested 52 suspects so far.

The accused reportedly realised the gravity of the POCSO charges only after being remanded. Many face charges that could result in incarceration for at least one to four months before bail is granted. Police records indicate that those currently aged 19 and 20 abused the victim before they turned 18, while they were still in higher secondary school. The minors arrested in the case are also currently higher secondary students.

The abuse reportedly began in the Elavumthitta police station jurisdiction and later spread to multiple locations in the district. One of the key locations is the private bus stand in Pathanamthitta Another location is a fish shop run by two people on the outskirts. The gangs formed in these places acted as the main link for facilitating the abuse. 

Investigations revealed that Instagram was the primary medium used for communication. When police contacted the phone numbers provided by the victim, none of the accused denied their involvement. Strong digital evidence helped police apprehend each suspect.

Matter of concern

The large-scale involvement of teenage boys in POCSO cases has raised serious concerns. "It is alarming that boys at such a critical stage in their lives are ending up in jail for POCSO offenses. Efforts must be made at all levels to guide them in the right direction. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights will take proactive measures in this regard," said Adv. KV Manojkumar, Chairman of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

52 arrests so far: One apprehended in Chennai

Police have arrested 52 people in connection with various cases involving the Dalit girl. Abhijith (26), an accused in a case registered at the Malayalapuzha station, was arrested from Chennai, on Wednesday. Police had been conducting covert operations in the area for two days. The investigation, conducted with the assistance of the district cyber cell, led to the breakthrough.

A total of 30 cases have been registered across four police stations. At the Pathanamthitta station, 11 cases were filed, with suspects arrested in all but two cases. Efforts are underway to apprehend two suspects currently abroad, with applications submitted for look-out circulars against them. Other cases include one each at Pandalam and Malayalapuzha stations.

Seven suspects remain at large, five of whom are involved in cases registered at the Elavumthitta station. Police have identified all of them and stated that they will be arrested soon, according to the District Police Chief.