ALAPPUZHA: The special investigation team probing the alleged rape of a minor on Saturday arrested the father of the victim. The DySP of Alappuzha who was leading the team, said that the father, a physically challenged man, was arrested for allowing his daughter to go out with first accused Athira alias Gloria, 24.
“Athira used to pay the father money to buy alcohol. The dad was aware of Athira’s intentions when he took the child from home at night to several places. He has been remanded,” the DySP said. This is the seventh arrest in connection with the case. Earlier on Friday, Nidhin, 22, a native of Punnapra was booked under Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The accused in the case include Athira, Nelson Thomas, 40, a senior civil police officer attached to Narcotics Cell, Mararikulam probationary SI K.G. Laiju, 38, and two youths Jinumon, 22, and Prince 28. They are in judicial custody now. Nelson allegedly molested the minor after forcing her to drink alcohol. The probationary SI was booked for abusing with victim’s relative when the minor was in a resort.
The cops were suspended from service. Meanwhile, KSU workers on Saturday alleged that police was trying to save the high rank officials involved in the case. Marching to Dy.SP office, the protesters demanded a team led by IG rank official should investigate the case. Otherwise they would start indefinite protest' , he said.
