Politician Among 14 Accused Of Raping Kerala Boy. They Met On Gay Dating App
A politician, two government employees and a football coach were among nine people arrested by the Kerala Police.
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Thiruvananthapuram:
Kerala Police have arrested nine individuals, including a politician, two government employees, and a football coach, for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy. The accused reportedly connected with the teenager through a gay dating application.
Kasargod police chief Vijaya Bharat Reddy told NDTV that the Class 10 student apparently downloaded the app approximately two years ago. The boy is believed to have been sexually abused over a two-year period by 14 men across multiple districts including Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam.
"The sexual assaults reportedly occurred at the victim's residence and various locations across other districts. The case was discovered when the boy's mother became suspicious after witnessing a man escaping from their home upon her arrival. When confronted, the son disclosed the ongoing abuse. The mother promptly contacted a child helpline, which subsequently informed the police," explained Mr Reddy.
Based on the minor's testimony, authorities have filed 14 separate cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, against 16 individuals.
A Special Investigation Team headed by a deputy superintendent of police and four inspectors has been established to investigate eight cases that occurred within Kasaragod district. The remaining six cases have been transferred to Kozhikode and Kannur districts for further investigation.
The suspects range in age from 25 to 51 years. Police confirmed that one accused works as a railway employee.
Authorities are also examining the dating application, which included self-reporting and age verification features, to determine if regulatory failures contributed to the sexual exploitation of the minor.