Pathanamthitta gang-rape shocker: 15 arrested as Kerala teen athlete accuses 62 men of sex abuse

Ten more men were arrested on Saturday in the gang-rape case of young sportswoman in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. This comes after the teen athlete accused 62 men of sexual abuse, including her coaches and classmates.

On Friday, five men were arrested by Elavumthitta police and more arrests are likely. Minors are also among the accused but it is not clear if they have been arrested. Information about at least 40 individuals have been obtained so far.

The survivor, who is now 18, reported the abuse to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). She alleged that the abuse began when she was 13-years-old.

The charges slapped on the accused include IPC Section 376(2) for aggravated rape, 376(3) for raping a minor under 16, 376(2) for repeated rape, 376(d) for gang rape and 354A for sexual harassment.

Charges under POCSO Act include Sections 3(a) and 5(g) for aggravated gang assault on a child, 11 and 12 for sexual harassment of a child while charges under IT Act include Sections 66E for violation of privacy and 67B for transmitting explicit material depicting minors. Other charges include Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act Section 3(2)(v) for offences against members of these communities.

The police are carrying out detailed interrogations of those in custody. The probe is underway across six police stations in Pathanamthitta, including Konni.

Some of the accused are from outside the district. Hence, police from these districts are also expected to join the probe.

The survivor is reportedly undergoing counselling by a psychologist.

With inputs from Nirmal Jovial