"From Sports Star to Shelter: A Mother's Struggle for Stability Amidst an Unexpected Crisis"

Authorities announced the arrest of two additional suspects related to the athlete's rape case, bringing the total arrests to 44. The ongoing investigation continues to uncover more individuals involved in this heinous crime.

In response to alarming threats directed at the family of a Dalit athlete from Kerala, who bravely disclosed that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals over a five-year span, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has decided to relocate her mother to a shelter home. N. Rajeev, the head of the Pathanamthitta CWC unit, made this announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for emotional support for the survivor's mother. He stated, "The mother of the survivor has been emotionally exhausted and is feeling vulnerable. It is essential to bring her into the shelter home to provide her with psychological assistance."

Rajeev also highlighted the grave situation, remarking, "Additionally, the family has received threats from relatives of the accused." He added that the mother of the survivor was likely unaware of the prolonged abuse her daughter faced. "It is our duty to ensure her safety," he stressed.

A senior official from the Elavumthitta police station commented on the situation, noting that, "We have not yet received any formal complaints regarding threats to the family. No legal cases have been initiated. However, the family may have concerns about encountering the families of the accused, who are their neighbors in this tightly-knit community." This proximity could heighten tensions, making the need for protective measures all the more urgent.

On the law enforcement front, two more suspects were apprehended in connection with the athlete's case on Tuesday, bringing the total number of arrests to 44. According to a statement from the Pathanamthitta police chief’s office, there remain nine individuals who have yet to be captured, with ongoing efforts to locate them.

Authorities reported that the latest arrests involved two men, aged 23 and 24, who were taken into custody from their residences under the jurisdiction of the Pathanamthitta and Elavumthitta police stations. The ongoing investigation, as detailed by the statement, indicates that there are still nine suspects sought based on FIRs filed at various police stations, including Elavumthitta and Malayalapuzha. Notably, one of these suspects is already incarcerated due to a separate case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Additionally, efforts are underway to repatriate some suspects who are currently abroad.

The survivor, an aspiring athlete, shared her harrowing experience with the police, detailing how she was a victim of sexual abuse by 62 individuals over five years. The grim reality of her ordeal surfaced after she confided in a volunteer during an awareness initiative. In her police statement, she recounted that the abuse commenced when she was only 13 years old, following an alleged rape by a neighbor.

Based on the testimony of the now 18-year-old survivor, coupled with call records from her father's phone—used for communication with the accused—the special investigation team (SIT) has been able to identify a staggering 58 men thus far. Significantly, many of those implicated were classmates of the survivor from both school and college, which adds a disturbing layer to her story. The SIT revealed that the survivor was subjected to multiple gang rapes, including incidents at the Pathanamthitta general hospital and in vehicles at public locales within the district.

Currently, the survivor is residing in a shelter home under the care of the child welfare committee, where she is receiving much-needed counseling and support from professionals dedicated to her healing process. The unfolding circumstances surrounding this tragic case highlight the pressing need for community vigilance and robust protective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of abuse survivors.