In a shocking incident from Kerala's capital district, the Nedumangad police have arrested a 60-year-old autorickshaw driver for the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old boy over a period of several months. The accused, identified as Shiyad Moideen, a resident of Pathamkallu in Nedumangad, is now in judicial custody.
How the Abuse Began and Escalated
According to the police complaint, the accused first approached the young victim in October. Investigators stated that Moideen gradually gained the boy's trust over time. Exploiting this trust, he later started offering the child rides in his autorickshaw.
The man allegedly used these rides to take the boy to isolated plots of land. It was in these deserted locations that the sexual abuse took place. The minor victim, in his statement to the police, recounted that the assaults occurred on multiple occasions since October.
To ensure the boy's silence, the accused reportedly threatened to harm him if he ever spoke about the incidents to anyone. In a further disturbing detail, police said the accused would give the boy Rs 10 after each assault.
Vigilant Locals Intervene and Nab Accused
The horrific series of events finally came to an end due to the alertness of local residents. They grew suspicious upon noticing an autorickshaw frequently parked in a deserted area. Acting on their suspicion, they intervened at a critical moment.
The locals reportedly caught Shiyad Moideen red-handed while he was attempting to assault the boy. They immediately alerted the Nedumangad police and handed the suspect over to them. This citizen intervention was crucial in stopping the abuse and leading to the arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Following the arrest, the police formally recorded the boy's statement. Authorities confirmed that his account corroborated the allegations of repeated sexual abuse. Based on the evidence and complaint, the accused was produced before a local court.
The court has remanded Shiyad Moideen to judicial custody for 14 days. The Nedumangad police have stated that their investigation is actively continuing. Officers are working on collecting additional forensic and material evidence and are in the process of recording detailed statements from the witnesses who intervened at the scene.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community in Nedumangad, highlighting the vulnerability of children and the importance of community vigilance in protecting them.
