KOZHIKODE: In a deeply disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns over the safety of vulnerable children in state custody, the Kerala Police have arrested a 58-year-old caretaker for allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old minor boy at a government-run shelter home in Kozhikode.

The accused, identified by law enforcement officials as Ayoob P, surrendered before a local court after police intensified their manhunt to locate him following the registration of the case.

The court has since remanded him to judicial custody as the investigation progresses.

According to official sources, the horrific ordeal only came to light during a routine welfare and counseling session conducted at the facility.

During the session, the young boy broke down and detailed the repeated abuse he suffered inside the institution.

Investigators revealed that the accused systematically exploited his position of trust and authority to assault the child on multiple occasions within the confines of the government shelter.

‘We registered a case under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as soon as the matter was officially reported to us,’ a senior police officer stated, emphasising that the department is handling the matter with the utmost seriousness.

Given the gravity of the allegations and the suspect's unchecked access to the institution's residents, the police have significantly expanded the scope of their ongoing investigation.

Authorities are currently conducting thorough background checks and interviewing other inmates at the facility to determine if there are further victims who have yet to come forward.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, putting the spotlight back on the monitoring mechanisms of government welfare institutions.

Activists are demanding a comprehensive audit of the shelter’s operations and the immediate implementation of stricter vetting protocols for all staff members.

Meanwhile, local authorities have assured that the victim is receiving specialised medical attention and professional psychological counseling to help him recover from the trauma.

The police department has promised a swift and airtight investigation to ensure maximum punishment for the accused under the law.