Shocking Allegations: 18-Year-Old Dalit Woman Claims Abuse by 64 Men

An 18-year-old Dalit woman in Kerala has come forward with allegations that 64 men abused her since she was 13. Police have arrested 28 men, with investigations ongoing into the horrific claims involving both sexual assault and exploitation.

 

A disturbing case has emerged from Kerala, India, where an 18-year-old Dalit woman has accused a staggering 64 men of sexually abusing her since the age of 13. Authorities have so far apprehended 28 individuals related to these allegations, all of whom are currently in police custody without having publicly commented on the situation. Ranging in age from 17 to 47, the accused include local neighbors, sporting coaches, and even friends of the woman’s father, according to police reports.

The distressing allegations surfaced after a team of counselors, part of a government initiative, paid a visit to the woman’s residence. This prompted her to disclose the abuse, leading to police intervention. Authorities have initiated about 18 cases under various sections of Indian law, including those protecting marginalized communities under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Dalits, positioned at the lowest tier of the Hindu caste system, have historically faced significant discrimination in India, despite the existence of protective laws. Additional charges have been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act due to the fact that the alleged incidents occurred when the woman was a minor, as noted by senior police officer Nandakumar S in a statement to BBC Hindi.

The horrific timeline of abuse allegedly began when the girl was just 13, with reports indicating that her neighbor began by molesting her and taking inappropriate photographs. The allegations continued to escalate, with claims that the girl was gang-raped three times and further exploited during her participation in various sports camps.

According to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the woman's situation remained hidden from her family until now. It was only through the recent intervention of counselors that the distressing details came to light. Following her experience, the woman has been placed in a shelter for her protection while authorities continue to investigate the harrowing claims. As part of the ongoing investigation, police are utilizing the woman’s phone, which contains the abusers' contacts to identify additional suspects.

The gravity of the allegations has sent shockwaves across India, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and further support for survivors of sexual violence. The woman is set to provide a comprehensive statement regarding her experiences to a female police officer shortly.