Steephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod
Kasargod, Sep 17: Police have arrested nine persons, including an educational officer and a railway protection force (RPF) officer, on charges of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy.
According to Chandera police, a total of 16 cases have been registered against 16 accused in connection with incidents that took place in Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode and Ernakulam districts.
Those arrested include Bekal assistant education officer (AEO) V K Sainudheen (52); RPF officer Chittraraj Eravil (48); Abdul Rahman Haji (55) of Valavakkad, Trikaripur; Sukesh (30) of Vellakkal, Pilikode panchayat; Afzal (23) of Chandera; Shijith (36) of Cheemeni; Rayees (30) of Koval, near Trikaripur; Ranjan (64) of Padannakkad, Kanhangad; and Narayanan (60) of Cheemeni. Meanwhile, the general education department has suspended Sainudheen.
Police said search operations are underway for the other accused, including Youth League Trikaripur panchayat committee general secretary Siraj Vadakkumpad (46).
“Of the total 16 cases, 10 are registered at Chandera police station. The remaining six cases are registered at Payyannur station in Kannur, Kasaba station in Kozhikode, and Elamakkara station in Ernakulam,” Kasargod SP V V Vijaya Reddy said.
The incident came to light when the boy’s mother noticed unknown persons contacting him over the phone and visiting their house. On approaching the police, the matter was referred to Childline, where during counselling the boy revealed details of the abuse. Police then registered the cases.
Cases have been filed under Section 377 of the BNS and Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the POCSO Act.
Education minister V Sivankutty has ordered the suspension of AEO Sainudheen, who was arrested in the case. Police revealed that the boy, a school student, was introduced to several men through a dating app and was subjected to abuse by individuals including government officials and political workers. Reports indicate that the abuse had been ongoing for the past two years.
Of the 14 related cases registered so far, eight are centred in Kasargod district. A special investigation team comprising four police inspectors is conducting the probe.