An 18-year-old Dalit woman from Kerala has made serious allegations, accusing 64 men of sexual abuse spanning over five years, beginning when she was just 13 years old. The case has drawn significant attention as police confirm the arrest of 28 individuals connected to the allegations, though those apprehended have yet to release any public statements.
The accused range in age from 17 to 47, including neighbors, sports coaches, and friends of the woman’s father. The allegations came to light after a team of counselors, part of a government initiative, visited her home and encouraged her to speak out about her experiences.
Police have initiated approximately 18 cases under various Indian crime laws, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which aims to protect marginalized communities from discrimination and violence. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act has also been invoked, given that the abuse began when the woman was a minor.
Authorities anticipate additional cases may emerge as investigations continue, with a dedicated 25-member team assigned to the matter. Reports indicate that the abuse allegedly initiated with molestation by a neighbor, who took explicit photographs of her. The situation escalated when she was 16, leading to further acts of violence and the circulation of videos among her abusers.
A representative from the district’s Child Welfare Committee (CWC) noted the woman’s involvement in athletics, which could have exposed her to further vulnerability. Allegations include three instances of gang rape over the past five years.
Notably, her alleged attackers allegedly used her father’s phone number for communication, with the police now using the device to identify and locate these individuals. Shockingly, the woman’s family was reportedly unaware of the abuse until it was disclosed during counseling sessions.
Following an alert from the counsel team, the CWC requested her presence for a statement alongside her mother. The victim has since been placed in a shelter for her protection, as she prepares to provide a detailed account of her experiences to a female police officer.
The gravity of these allegations has sent ripples of concern throughout the nation, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures against such heinous crimes.
