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Over 48 Arrested in India for Years of Sexual Abuse of Dalit Teen
Authorities in Kerala, India, have detained 49 men in connection with the prolonged sexual abuse of a young woman that began when she was just 13 years old, according to police reports shared on Wednesday.
The victim, now 18, belongs to the Dalit community, a group at the lowest level of India’s caste hierarchy, which faces a disproportionately high risk of sexual violence in a country grappling with alarming rates of crimes against women.
Pathanamthitta district police official Nandakumar S confirmed the arrests, stating that the perpetrators included neighbors, acquaintances, and even family friends.
Reports suggest the abuse began when one of the accused blackmailed the girl with a recorded video, using it to coerce her into silence. This led to further assaults, with some taking place in disturbing locations, including a local hospital.
The victim’s parents, unaware of her suffering, were not informed until authorities intervened. Rajeev N, a child welfare official, revealed that the girl is now under police protection and shielded from media exposure as investigations continue.
India continues to face a staggering number of sexual violence cases, with nearly 90 rapes reported daily in 2022. However, many such crimes remain unreported due to societal stigma and systemic barriers.
The issue of violence against women remains a flashpoint in the country. In an unrelated case, a Kolkata court is set to deliver a verdict this week against a man accused of raping and murdering a doctor in 2022, an incident that sparked widespread protests and outrage nationwide.
Emmanuel Omurunga
