Authorities in Kerala have arrested 44 individuals after an 18-year-old Dalit athlete from Pathanamthitta district accused approximately 60 people, including fellow athletes, coaches, and classmates, of sexually abusing her over the past five years, according to a report by the Economic Times. The accused are being held in custody and have not spoken publicly at this time.
The survivor, a district level athlete disclosed her ordeal to a volunteer during a gender awareness program hosted in her village. Police have identified 58 of the alleged perpetrators and have confirmed the arrests of 44 individuals over the past two days, according to the report.
“We have identified the remaining suspects and will apprehend them soon,” stated PS Nandakumar, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Pathanamthitta, where the incident occurred. The investigation is ongoing to uncover further details about the assaults.
According to senior police officer Nandakumar S., since the victim was a child during the abuse, cases have been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Further cases are expected as the investigation progresses.
The survivor revealed that the abuse began when her neighbor allegedly raped her at age 13. Local reports indicate that four of the accused are minors.
Under Indian law, suspects in sexual violence cases involving Dalits face stringent legal provisions, including denial of immediate bail. Efforts to contact the accused for comment have been unsuccessful.
Last month, therapists visited the woman’s house reportedly and discovered the issue at hand. The counsellors notified the CWC (Child Welfare Committee) of the situation, and the lady was summoned to appear before the committee alongside her mother. “She underwent counseling and shared with a psychologist about the sexual abuse she had been enduring since the age of 13,” the CWC head told The Indian Express.
He further stated that the woman has been transferred to a shelter affiliated with the CWC for her safety. She is anticipated to provide a lengthy account on the alleged mistreatment to a female police officer.
The revelation has reignited concerns about the prevalence of sexual violence in India, where over 31,000 rape cases were reported in 2022. Conviction rates remain low, prompting demands for reforms to better protect victims and ensure justice.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile incidents of gender-based violence, including the 2023 gang rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata, which led to nationwide protests.
