Five POCSO cases registered over alleged sexual abuse of 17-year-old girl at Bekal in Kerala’s Kasaragod

The Bekal police have registered five cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following allegations that a 17-year-old girl was subjected to sexual abuse by five persons over the past year while she was experiencing mental health challenges.

The cases were registered based on a report submitted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). The girl has since recovered her mental health issues through medical treatment.

The alleged abuse came to light during a counselling session, when the girl disclosed that she had been subjected to abuse.

The Bekal police said the girl identified three of the accused. She informed the police that the other two were identifiable on sight.

Separate cases have been registered against the five accused after verifying the information received through the CWC.

According to preliminary information, an autorickshaw driver was the first person to abuse the girl. The police suspect that four others, including his friend, later abused her. The sexual abuse was confirmed during a medical examination conducted at Kanhangad District Hospital.

The police have intensified efforts to identify and trace all the accused and are collecting evidence, including the victim’s statement. The police said further action would be taken as the investigation progresses.

Sources indicated that some of the alleged accused have already been brought under the investigation net, though no arrests have been officially announced.