Puthur (Kollam): Puthur police have registered a case against an astrologer for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of exorcism through witchcraft. A case under the POCSO Act has been filed against Rajan Babu, also known as VS Murari Thanthri, a native of Vendar Areekkal. He is currently absconding.

According to the police, the girl and her mother had earlier visited Rajan Babu’s house seeking astrological advice. He allegedly convinced them that their problems were caused by a spirit possessing the girl and claimed he could remove it through witchcraft. Acting on this, they visited the sorcerer’s house at Areekkal on Sunday.

The two arrived around 11 am but were allowed to meet him only at about 3 pm. Rajan Babu reportedly took the girl inside alone. When she did not come out even after more than two hours, the mother went inside and found her daughter in tears, narrating the ordeal she had suffered.

As the incident came to light, people gathered in front of the house in protest. Puthur SHO C Babu Kurup said that Rajan Babu fled amidst the commotion and would be apprehended soon.