Authorities in Kerala have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old Dalit girl over a period of five years. The victim, an athlete, reported being abused by 62 individuals starting when she was 13 years old, with the crimes taking place in the Pathanamthitta district.
Police have so far identified 58 suspects, including four minors, and arrested 44 over the past two days. Deputy Superintendent of Police PS Nandakumar, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining 14 individuals.
The case came to light when the survivor confided in a volunteer during a gender awareness program. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assaults.
Indian law prohibits immediate bail for individuals accused of rape involving members of lower caste communities. Attempts to reach any of the accused for comments were unsuccessful.
Data shows over 31,000 reported rapes in India in 2022, highlighting a broader issue of systemic gender-based violence and low conviction rates. The incident follows nationwide outrage last year over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, which led to protests and demands for stricter action against perpetrators.