Kannur (Kerala): A 62-year-old retired police Sub-Inspector, identified as Gopinathan, has been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a minor girl in Pariyaram here, local police confirmed on Thursday.

According to law enforcement, the incident occurred on Wednesday when an 11-year-old girl from the neighbourhood went to the suspect's residence.

Police stated that the accused allegedly sexually harassed the young girl and threatened her to ensure she kept quiet about the ordeal.

However, upon returning home, the child disclosed the incident to her parents.

As a crowd began to gather outside Gopinathan's house, he fled the premises and surrendered himself at the local police station.

Following a formal complaint lodged by the victim's parents, the Pariyaram Police registered a case against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Officials confirmed that Gopinathan’s arrest has been officially recorded, and he will shortly be presented before a court in Thaliparamba for remand proceedings.

PTI