Kasaragod police have uncovered a grave case of child sexual abuse, leading to the arrest of nine individuals, including a senior education official and a Railway Protection Force officer, for exploiting a 16-year-old schoolboy. The accused allegedly lured the boy through Grindr; a dating and networking application primarily used within the LGBTQ community.
In total, 16 people have been named in as many cases filed across four districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam. Among those arrested is Sainudeen V.K. (52), Assistant Education Officer of Bekal sub-district, who has since been suspended from service. Another high-profile arrest is Chitraraj Eravil (48), an RPF officer and state-level football coach. The list of accused also includes Kunhahammed (55), linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and the brother of a prominent CPM leader, as well as Sukesh (30), Afsal (23), Shijith (36), Rayees (30), Ramzan (64), and Narayanan Chambrakanam (60).
Police have identified Siraj Vadakumpad (46), Youth League General Secretary of Trikaripur Panchayat, as the 10th accused. Known locally for his role in mediating disputes, he has since gone underground. “A lookout circular has been issued against him,” confirmed Kasaragod District Police Chief B.V. Vijaya Bharat Reddy.
According to investigators, the abuse began when the boy was just 14 years old and continued for two years. Ten of the 16 cases are being handled by Chandera Police Station, while the remaining have been transferred to Payyannur in Kannur, Kasaba in Kozhikode, and Elamakkara in Ernakulam.
The case surfaced after the victim’s mother noticed unusual behaviour, including strangers visiting their home and suspicious activity on his phone. She approached the police, who then involved Childline. During counselling, the boy revealed the extent of the abuse. Police confirmed that Grindr had suspended his account once it detected he was a minor.
Authorities stated that most of the accused men were married with families. They would allegedly offer cash to the boy, though he did not demand it. The victim had created a false adult profile on Grindr out of curiosity, which led him into contact with the accused.
The men now face charges under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code along with multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including penetrative and aggravated penetrative sexual assault, repeated assault, and using a minor for pornographic purposes.
The Kasaragod cases are currently being investigated by Station House Officers from Chandera, Cheemeni, Vellarikundu, Nileshwar, and Chittarikkal police stations.
(With inputs from Onmanorama)
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