Harsha : “Class IX student sexually abused: Salem police arrest youth under POCSO”

The Salem city police in Tamil Nadu have apprehended a 25-year-old man on charges of kidnapping and sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl under the pretext of marriage. The duo had absconded from the city, but the police successfully tracked them down in Salem on Tuesday, February 13th, by tracing the man’s mobile number. As a result, the girl has been placed in a children’s home.

According to the police, the arrested individual, identified as Sadhasivam from Krishnagiri, had befriended the girl, a Class IX student, while she was attending school. On January 25th, the girl left for school but never returned home, causing concern for her mother. Upon investigation, the girl’s mother discovered that some of her daughter’s clothes were also missing from home.

Providing further details, a police officer stated, “In her complaint, the woman mentioned that the girl was close to a young man, whom she suspected of abducting her. We then traced the young man’s mobile network and located the couple in Salem. We subsequently brought them back to Chennai.”

Sadhasivam has been charged under Sections 366 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 5(l) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The girl has undergone a medical examination and is currently residing in a children’s home. Following the inquiry, Sadhasivam will be remanded in judicial custody, as stated by the police.

Ensuring Justice for the Victim

The arrest of Sadhasivam and the subsequent recovery of the kidnapped girl in Salem have shed light on the urgent need to protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation. The incident has highlighted the importance of strict enforcement of laws such as the POCSO Act, which aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.

Authorities have urged parents and guardians to maintain open lines of communication with their children, teaching them about personal safety and the potential dangers posed by individuals who may seek to exploit their innocence. It is crucial to educate children about the warning signs of grooming and coercion, empowering them to seek help and report any suspicious behavior.

The swift action taken by the Salem city police in rescuing the teenage girl serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of the community. By apprehending the perpetrator and providing necessary support to the victim, the authorities have sent a strong message that such heinous acts will not go unpunished.

Efforts must continue to strengthen awareness campaigns, both within schools and the wider society, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including parents, educators, and law enforcement, to work together to create a safe environment where children can thrive without fear of exploitation.