Dalit Woman in Kerala Alleges Years of Sexual Abuse by 64 Men

IN
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An 18-year-old Dalit woman from Kerala, India, has accused 64 men of sexually abusing her since she was 13. The allegations have led police to arrest 28 individuals, who are currently in custody and have yet to issue public statements.

The accused range in age from 17 to 47 and include the woman’s neighbors, sports coaches, and acquaintances of her father. The woman disclosed the abuse after a government counseling team visited her home, prompting a police investigation.

Authorities have filed approximately 18 charges under various Indian crime laws, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, due to the nature and timing of the alleged crimes.

According to police reports, the alleged abuse began with the victim's neighbor, who reportedly molested her and took explicit photographs. The abuse continued over several years, with the woman allegedly gang-raped three times.

The police are utilizing her father's phone to trace the accused, whose identities the woman recorded in contact lists. Details surrounding the case have stunned the public, raising awareness of the serious issues of sexual violence and discrimination against Dalits in India. The woman has been moved to a protective shelter after sharing her experiences with a psychologist and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

Further investigations are ongoing, with a dedicated 25-member police team working on the case. A detailed statement from the woman is expected to be provided to a female police officer in the coming days.

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