Kaduthuruthy: Police have intensified probe to nab the fourth accused in the case relating to sexual exploitation of minor girls in Kottayam. Based on the statements of three girls of Class XI and Class XII, the police arrested three.

The accused in custody are Kannur natives Mishab Abdul Rahman (20) and Jishnu Rajesh (20), and Kozhikode native Abhinav (20). Kannur native Sankeerth (22) is on the run. It is learnt that the accused is trying to get anticipatory bail.

The arrested have been booked under charges of POCSO for luring girls in the pretext of love and attempting to kidnap them.

Reports said the youngsters who came from other districts camped here to trap the girls. Locals alleged that incidents similar to these were brought to the attention of the cops earlier too but they did not take any steps. They also urged police to widen the probe. According to reports, around 15 girls have fallen prey to this.  

Meanwhile, the police took the statement of three girls after spotting a girl and two youngsters under mysterious circumstances. According to police, the accused was camping in the area for a long time to hatch and execute their plan. Police also found that they depend on drug sales to get income. Officials have urged caution in the regions nearby as presence of more such gangs are expected.