Coimbatore: In a shocking case, police have arrested a construction labourer for sexually abusing a four-year-old girl at Anupperpalayam in neighbouring Tirupur district.
Police said the girl; a resident of Devarajapuram was playing in front of her house, when she went missing on Sunday night. The girl's parents, who are daily wageworkers, and neighbourers launched a search for the missing girl, while rumours did rounds that the child was kidnapped.
Even as large number of public were on a frantic search, they found Abbas, 22, a native of Ooty and staying in a rental accommodation in the neighbouring house of the victim, came there from a shrubby vacant land. As he appeared disturbed, the villagers on enquired him on suspicion.
When he gave contradictory replies, the public grilled him further and handed him over to the police.
He took the child, who was playing in front of her house, by promising to get her a chocolate from the local shop, police said on Monday. Trusting him, the girl accompanied him, but Abbas took her to the shrubby isolated spot and sexually abused her by gagging the victim with his hands. As the girl swooned, Abbas returned home leaving her at the scene of offence itself. Following this, the police and family members rushed to the place and rescued the girl, who was then in a semi conscious state.
The victim had been taken to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) for an examination and treatment. Meanwhile, the police arrested Abbas under POCSO Act and further investigations are on.
