Kochi: Police in Kerala, a southern state of India, have arrested 44 men accused of repeatedly raping an 18-year-old girl over five years, a case that has sent shockwaves through the coastal tourist region. According to police, the victim, an athlete from the Dalit community, stated that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals during this period.
Law enforcement officials have identified 58 suspects, including some minors, and apprehended 44 of them over the past two days. “We have identified the remaining 14, and they will be arrested soon,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police P.S. Nandakumar, who is leading the investigation.
The case came to light when the teenager disclosed the abuse to a volunteer during a gender awareness program. Nandakumar confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that details about how the crimes were perpetrated are still being examined.
In her statement, the victim revealed that the abuse began at the age of 13, allegedly initiated by a neighbor. Local media reported that four of the accused are minors. Under Indian law, suspects in cases involving sexual violence against Dalit individuals are not eligible for immediate bail.
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India’s alarming statistics on sexual violence highlight the gravity of the issue. In 2022, over 31,000 rape cases were reported, yet conviction rates remain dismally low. The nation witnessed widespread protests last year following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, demanding stricter action against perpetrators.
