77-year-old among 9 arrested for sexually abusing 16-year-old girl

Villupuram: Nine people, including a 77-year-old man, was arrested under POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, who was found to be four months pregnant.

Among those arrested by the Gingee All Women Police Station included the girl's cousin and her 50-year-old aunt for allegedly abetting the crime.

The pregnant girl was admitted to an observation home, police said.

The arrested were identified as Mannankatti alias Venkatesan (77), R. Ilayaraja (28), M.Venkatesan (25), R.Prabhu (37), K. Babu (22), P. Ezhumalai (26) and A. Satyaraj (28).

The girl’s 32-year-old cousin was also arrested along with her aunt.

The girl in her complaint alleged that she was subjected to sexual abuse for nearly seven months.

The girl had moved to her aunt’s house after the death of her parents and pursuing 11th standard when she was subjected to sexual abuse.

The incident came to light when the girl, who complained of stomach pain, went to a government hospital for check up along with aunt. The doctors found that the girl was four months pregnant.

The accused were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. (UNI)