As Kerala reels from the harrowing revelations of a Dalit teen’s years-long abuse, authorities uncover a network of exploitation involving her coaches, classmates, and more. Investigations continue to bring the perpetrators to justice.
BY PC Bureau
In one of the most harrowing cases of abuse to surface in recent years, Kerala police have arrested 15 persons in connection with the alleged repeated sexual exploitation of an 18-year-old Dalit athlete in the Pathanamthitta district. T
The girl, who has shown immense courage in coming forward, revealed that she had been subjected to abuse since the age of 13 by numerous individuals, including her coaches, classmates, and fellow athletes.
The survivor’s ordeal reportedly began when she was 13 years old. A neighbor is alleged to have been the first to exploit her, forcing her to watch explicit videos before escalating to sexual assault. This initial violation paved the way for further exploitation, with perpetrators luring her into isolated locations and involving their associates in repeated acts of violence.
Using her father’s mobile phone to communicate with the accused, the victim’s contact list and a diary she maintained have provided critical evidence for investigators. So far, 40 individuals have been identified as suspects, with police suspecting the involvement of over 60 people in total.
Nine more arrests were made on Saturday, following the detention of six individuals a day earlier. Pathanamthitta police have registered five First Information Reports (FIRs) across two police stations and confirmed that additional FIRs will follow as the investigation progresses.
Girl is a sportsperson. The accused include her ex-boyfriend, coaches, athletes, classmates, and neighbors.
Crimes against women have become so common that they no longer shock us as they should. We read about these horrific incidents, feel outraged for a moment, then move on. pic.twitter.com/HiMXXmnWNY
— زماں (@Delhiite_) January 11, 2025
The accused include individuals from various walks of life—coaches entrusted with her training, fellow athletes she interacted with daily, and even classmates. A special investigation team, led by Pathanamthitta Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), has been constituted to oversee the case. The investigation has also uncovered that individuals outside the district may be implicated.
Legal Framework and Charges
Given that the survivor was a minor when the abuse began, stringent charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act have been invoked. Additionally, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act has been applied, recognizing the intersectional oppression faced by the Dalit victim.
The case came to public attention during counseling sessions organized by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Teachers at her educational institution had flagged concerning changes in her behavior, prompting an inquiry. The CWC Chairman described the case as “profoundly disturbing” and noted that such prolonged abuse was an “unusual and deeply tragic” occurrence.
The victim’s father—an alcoholic—was reportedly unaware of the abuse facilitated through his phone. Police have identified numerous contacts from the device as potential perpetrators. “The family was completely in the dark about the extent of her suffering,” said a police official involved in the investigation.
Impact and Support Measures
The victim has been referred to psychological counseling to help her cope with the severe trauma she has endured. Authorities have emphasized the need for a holistic approach, including medical, legal, and emotional support for the survivor.
This case raises critical questions about the safety of young athletes and the oversight mechanisms in place within sports and educational institutions. The exploitation of a young Dalit girl—entrusted to coaches and mentors—reflects systemic failures that allowed such abuse to persist unchecked for years.
Activists and citizens are calling for swift justice, stringent punishments for the accused, and reforms to prevent such atrocities in the future. “The survivor’s courage must be a turning point,” said a prominent child rights activist. “We owe it to her and countless others to ensure this never happens again.”
The Kerala government has promised a thorough investigation and swift action. A senior police official stated, “We are committed to ensuring that every individual involved in this heinous crime is brought to justice.”
This case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities and the urgent need to safeguard children from exploitation. As the investigation unfolds, the focus must remain on delivering justice and rebuilding the survivor’s life with dignity and support.
