In a shocking incident in Trichy, nine individuals, including seven minors, have been arrested under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl. The case came to light after the girl went missing on May 14, prompting her mother to file a missing complaint with the Palakkarai police.
Sequence of Events
The girl was initially reported missing, and the police registered a missing person complaint. She was eventually located on June 4 and handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which provided counseling and placed her in a shelter home. During her stay at the home, the girl confided in officials about being sexually abused by individuals she had met through social media. Based on her statements, the CWC reported the matter to the Fort AWPS police, leading to the alteration of the case and the booking of the accused under the POCSO Act.
Arrests and Details
On Saturday, the police arrested nine suspects. Among them, two are adults: A. Mohanraj (19) and M. Kishore (20), both residents of Sangillyandapuram. The remaining seven, being minors, have been sent to a juvenile home in Thanjavur. The authorities are actively searching for one more accused who is currently on the run.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of children to online predators and the importance of timely intervention by child welfare agencies and law enforcement. The police have assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victim.
