Pathanamthitta News: Police have arrested nine more individuals in connection with the alleged rape of a Dalit girl, who is also an athlete. This brings the total number of arrests in the case to 15. The incidents reportedly occurred at various locations when the girl was a minor.

On Friday, six of the suspects were arrested following the registration of five FIRs at two police stations in the Pathanamthitta district. The arrests were made based on the victim’s statement, where she claimed to have been raped repeatedly since the age of 16.

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Authorities have uncovered evidence suggesting that the girl, now 18, was exploited by numerous individuals, including her coaches, classmates and fellow athletes. Police also revealed that the victim used her father’s mobile phone to communicate with the abusers. A total of 40 individuals have been identified through phone records and notes found in her possession.

Police believe that more than 60 people may be involved in the case and additional FIRs are expected to be filed as the investigation progresses. In total, five FIRs have been filed in various police stations across Pathanamthitta, with additional FIRs expected to be registered soon.

As the crimes occurred when the victim was a minor, the authorities will apply provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the accused.

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The Pathanamthitta Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has suggested that some of the perpetrators may be from outside the district. According to the CWC chairman, the girl had been subjected to sexual abuse since the age of 13. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, she has been referred to a psychologist for further counselling.

The case came to light during a counselling session after the victim’s teachers noticed significant changes in her behaviour. They alerted the CWC, which then informed the police, triggering a formal investigation.

A special investigation team, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in Pathanamthitta, has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe into the matter.