In a shocking and harrowing case, an 18-year-old Dalit woman from Kerala, India, has accused 64 men of sexually abusing her over a period of five years, starting when she was just 13 years old. The allegations have sparked outrage across the country, with police arresting 28 individuals so far, including neighbors, sports coaches, and friends of the woman’s father.
The accused, aged between 17 and 47, are currently in custody and have not made any public statements. The case came to light after a team of government-appointed counsellors visited the woman’s home and discovered the alleged abuse.
Details of the Allegations
The woman, whose identity has been withheld, reported that the abuse began when she was 13. According to police, her neighbor allegedly molested her and took sexually explicit photographs. The abuse escalated when she turned 16, with the same neighbor allegedly sexually assaulting her again, recording videos, and sharing them with others. These individuals then continued to abuse her over the years.
Police have registered approximately 18 cases under various laws, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as the abuse occurred while she was a minor. Cases have also been filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which aims to protect marginalized communities like Dalits from discrimination and violence.
The woman, an athlete, reportedly attended sports camps, which may have facilitated further abuse. Police allege that she was gang-raped three times over the past five years. The accused allegedly used her father’s phone number to contact her, and the woman stored their contacts in the phone. Investigators are now using the phone to trace additional suspects.
How the Case Came to Light
The woman’s family was reportedly unaware of the abuse until a team of counsellors visited their home last month. The counsellors, working under a government scheme, alerted the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) after noticing signs of distress. The woman was brought before the CWC along with her mother and underwent counselling.
"She was given counselling, and she opened up before a psychologist, narrating the sexual abuse she has been facing since the age of 13," the CWC chief told The Indian Express. Following her statement, the woman was moved to a CWC-associated shelter for her safety.
Ongoing Investigation
A 25-member police team has been formed to investigate the case. Senior police official Nandakumar S told BBC Hindi that more cases are expected to be registered as the investigation progresses. The woman is expected to provide a detailed statement to a female police officer soon.
Broader Context
Dalits, who lie at the bottom of India’s caste hierarchy, face systemic discrimination and violence despite legal protections. This case highlights the vulnerability of Dalit women, who often endure multiple layers of oppression based on caste and gender.
The allegations have sent shockwaves across India, reigniting debates about the safety of women and the effectiveness of laws designed to protect marginalized communities. Activists and legal experts are calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws and better support systems for survivors of sexual violence.
Next Steps
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the survivor and holding all perpetrators accountable. The case underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address caste-based violence and gender inequality in India.
Additional reporting by Imran Qureshi, BBC Hindi.
