There has been an increase in child sexual abuse cases being reported from Malappuram district of Kerala.
The Times of India reports that almost 10 cases have been registered under the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act in last three weeks.
While in Kalpakanchery two madrassa teachers were arrested three weeks ago for allegedly sexually abusing a boy, in Areekode an autorickshaw driver who allegedly sexually abused a 14-year-old girl was arrested.
In Kottakkal a school girl was reportedly abused by a bus cleaner and according to the victim she was abused by him twice.
According to the report three days ago a shop owner was also booked. Apart from Pocso case under IPC Section 377 also was registered against the accused. Childline authorities are currently on an investigation over the allegation that a high school student abused by her teacher
Based on a similar complaint received by Tirur police, the former principal of a private school was arrested for sending messages with sexual undertones to a 14-year-old boy. The student's parents noticed a WhatsApp message on the boy's phone from the accused and filed a complaint.
Last week Kolathur police have reportedly arrested a woman, along with two others, for forcing her daughters aged 11 and 13 into prostitution.
“There are chances for a spurt in child sexual abuse and child marriage cases during school vacations. The child welfare authorities and police are planning joint operations to prevent such incidents,” Coordinator of Childline Malappuram, Anwar Karakkadan told ToI.