Breakdown of the Investigation
Indian authorities have made significant progress in the case of a Dalit girl who claims to have been raped by more than 60 individuals over a period of five years, starting when she was 13 years old. So far, 44 people have been arrested in connection with the alleged abuse.
Investigation Progress
The Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered 30 separate cases related to the multiple abuses and has taken 44 out of 59 identified suspects into custody. Two of the accused are currently abroad, and the authorities are considering issuing arrest warrants and a red alert through Interpol.
Pattern of Exploitation
The investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation, with evidence suggesting that the girl was lured to a private bus station in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, to meet her attackers. She was then taken to several places where she was abused. The police have also confirmed cases of gang rape, including acts inside a car and at a local hospital.
Victim’s Background
The victim, an 18-year-old regional athlete and member of the Dalit community, was 13 years old when the abuse began. She is a member of a historically marginalized group in India’s caste system.
How the Case Came to Light
The case was brought to light by volunteers from the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society, a local women’s empowerment organization. The victim confided in the volunteers, who then alerted the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), a government body responsible for the protection of minors.
Detainees’ Background
Several of the detainees have police records for other crimes, according to the police. However, it is not clear if there is any relationship between them.
Sexual Violence in India
Sexual violence against women is a pervasive problem in India. The frequency and brutality of the attacks have generated a constant social demand for urgent and effective measures to protect women.
Statistics
According to India’s latest crime report, 31,500 cases of rape were recorded in 2022, which translates to an average of 86 cases per day.