A disturbing and shocking incident has come to light in Kerala, where a Dalit teenage athlete from Pathanamthitta district has alleged that she was raped by more than 60 persons, including her coaches and classmates, over a period of five years. 28 persons, including four minors, have been arrested so far in connection with the case, the police said.
The victim, who is now 18 years old, a district level athlete, has claimed that she was subjected to sexual abuse and rape by multiple perpetrators since she was 13 years old. The incident of sexual abuse came to light during counselling conducted by the the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society, after the victim’s teachers noticed changes in her behaviour. Subsequently the district child welfare committee took up the matter and reported it to the police. The girl was shifted to a care home.
According to Pathanamthitta district officials, ten more First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed in connection with the case in two separate police stations. The cases were registered based on the statements given by the girl, revealed a statement released by the office of Pathanamthitta District Police chief.
As per reports, a youth who befriended the girl when she was 13-years-old initially sexually abused her. He allegedly took her pictures and videos and shared it with his friends. Subsequently his friends also started sexually abusing her.
The investigation has revealed that the victim was gang raped at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital in January 2024. When she was in Class 12, the girl was lured to a rubber plantation by a young man, who then, along with three others, raped her. Several accused reportedly met the girl at the Pathanamthitta private bus stand and took her away in private vehicles.
The girl's father is said to be an alcoholic and many of the accused contacted her through her father's mobile phone.
The investigation, which focused on the victim's father’s mobile phone, led to the identification of most of the accused. The phone has been sent for forensic examination to retrieve details of visuals and communications, which could provide further evidence.
The police said they also found evidence indicating that she was exploited by her sports trainers, fellow athletes and classmates.
A special investigation team has been formed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, with Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police PS Nandakumar leading the team under the supervision of District Police Chief VG Vinod Kumar.
The National Women's Commission has sought a report from the state government on the incident. The Kerala Women's Commission has registered a suo motu case in the matter.
