Pathanamthitta: One more person has been arrested in the case of the sexual abuse of a Dalit girl of Pathanamthitta. With this, the number of arrests in connection with this case has gone up to 44. According to the police, there are a total of 58 accused in the case, and efforts are underway to apprehend all of them soon.

The latest arrest was made in connection with a case registered at the Pathanamthitta Town Police Station. It was through a person named Deepu, who had been arrested earlier, that the accused arrested on Tuesday became acquainted with the girl. He, too, subsequently abused her.

As of now, around 30 FIRs have been registered in connection with the abuse across various police stations. These FIRs have been filed at the Pathanamthitta Town, Konni, Ranni, Malayalapuzha and Pandalam police stations. One of the cases registered by the Pathanamthitta police has been handed over to the Thiruvananthapuram Kallambalam police for further investigation.

According to the girl's statement, she was abused by 62 people. So far, the police have identified 58 accused. The police have stated that clear information about the remaining four is not yet available. One of the accused still at large is reportedly abroad. The police have indicated that if necessary, a lookout notice will be issued to apprehend him.

The victim was recently visited by N. Sunanda, a member of the Child Rights Commission. The girl is receiving the necessary medical assistance. The commission has directed the District Child Protection Officer to allocate financial aid from the relief fund. Doctors have said that her health is satisfactory,  said Sunanda.