Kerala: 29 instances filed over sexual abuse of lady, 18 held

Police have registered 29 instances pertaining to sexual abuse of a minor lady in Malappuram district. They mentioned 18 folks have been arrested beneath POCSO Act, and a probe is on to establish the precise variety of accused.
The lady, who was staying together with her brother, went lacking final month. Days later, police took the lady into custody, and subsequent counselling by the Chief Welfare Committee (CWC) dropped at gentle the sexual abuse.
Police mentioned the lady was first abused in 2016 and was lodged in a shelter residence run by CWC. But, performing on a petition from her dad and mom, the CWC allowed the household custody of the lady.
After a second POCSO case pertaining to her in 2017, the CWC shifted the lady to a authorities shelter, however her brother sought her custody. “As her family members were not involved in the case, the CWC allowed her custody to her brother in October 2019,” mentioned a police supply.
Last month, the lady went lacking from her brother’s home. While probing the case, the police took the lady into custody from Palakkad. During CWC counselling, the lady reportedly mentioned she was abused a number of instances. Based on her statements, the police registered 29 instances and arrested 18 folks.
CWC chairperson Shajesh Bhasker mentioned, “As per Juvenile Justice Act, a rescue home should be the last resort… Her family was not involved in the alleged incidents. It was counselling by CWC that led to the expose of abuse.”