Kerala: Retired sub-inspector arrested under POCSO for sexually assaulting 11-year-old girl
A retired sub-inspector of police has been arrested by the Pariyaram police in Kannur, Kerala, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The accused has been identified as E. Gopinathan (62).
The incident came to light on Wednesday afternoon after the child returned home and fell ill. Upon questioning, she disclosed the details of the assault to her mother, who immediately informed the police.
According to police, the accused lured the girl to his house and sexually assaulted her. The child's statement was recorded under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before a magistrate, and a case was registered under the POCSO Act. The accused was taken into custody and produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
The POCSO Act is a comprehensive law to protect children from sexual assault, harassment, and pornography. It provides for stringent punishments, including the death penalty in cases of aggravated penetrative sexual assault. Kerala has seen a number of such cases in recent years, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and awareness.
Police investigations are ongoing. The identity of the victim has been kept confidential to protect her privacy, as mandated by law. The community has expressed shock and demanded swift justice.
