In yet another shocking case of child abuse, a 5-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her 25-year-old neighbour in a village near Thudiyalur.
Police said the incident had taken place about a week ago and the girl’s parents had delayed lodging the complaint due to societal pressure.
The girl, a Dalit, was alone in the house when K Saravanan had sexually abused the girl. “Her parents were daily wage labourers and had left for work. The accused was aware of this and had lured the child into his house,” police said.
The accused, who worked as a truck cleaner, told police that he had committed the crime under the influence of alcohol. Police said the incident took place on May 12.
When parents found the child writhing in pain and enquired with her, she narrated the incident to them. “However, neighbours told them to compromise and not take the matter to the police. The girl was admitted to hospital. But, two days ago, her condition worsened and she was shifted to another hospital,” a police officer said.
On Saturday, the victim’s mother mustered courage and lodged a complaint with the All Women’s Police Station. A case was registered against Saravanan under section 376 (rape) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012. He was arrested and remanded. The girl was subjected to a medical test at a government hospital.