In a shocking incident in Kerala, a businessman has been arrested for molesting a minor girl inside a cinema hall in Malappuram district of Kerala. The child’s mother has also been arrested and charged under the POCSO act for allowing the 10-year-old’s molestation by Moideen Kutty.
Kerala Police arrested a businessman named Moideen Kutty, after a Malayalam channel aired CCTV visuals of the accused sexually abusing the child inside the theatre at nearby Edapal on April 18. The girl’s mother was sitting next to the accused when the molestation took place. The mother of the 10-year-old has reportedly confessed that she was only aware of the assault, but the sexual molestation of the child took place with her consent. Reports have also indicated that the mother of the child was in a relationship with Moideen Kutty.
The police have now arrested the woman and Moideen Kutty and the duo has been charged under Section 354 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as the Juvenile Justice Act. The police informed that the child may have been subjected to molestation in the past as well. The police also confirmed that the mother was aware of this incident and she claimed that this was the first that the child has been subjected to any sexual abuse. Though the police suspect otherwise.
The child has given a detailed statement to the magistrate and has narrated the horror of being molested several times in the past. She then underwent a medical test and has now been shifted to a Nirbhaya home, where she will also undergo counselling.
There was a widespread condemnation against the authorities for delaying the investigation. DGP Loknath Behara said stringent action would be taken against the accused in the case. Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly P Sreeramakrishnan said it was a serious lapse on the part of police for failing to act immediately. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had demanded action against the ‘erring’ police personnel.
