A now 18-year-old girl from Kerela, India, has alleged that she was raped and sexually abused by nearly 60 men and boys over a span of five years.
The girl, whose family comes from one of India’s most marginalized communities, initially suffered abuse at the hands of a neighbor when she was just 13 years old. The alleged abuser reportedly filmed the assault and used the footage to blackmail the girl, forcing her into further acts of sexual violence.
The allegations came to light when the girl disclosed her traumatic experiences to a counselor during a college visit. Since then, police have arrested 58 individuals on charges of sexual assault, rape, and gang rape. Two additional suspects are believed to have fled the country, according to Kerala Police Deputy Inspector General, Ajeetha Begum.
The accused include schoolmates, relatives, and neighbors, with ages ranging from minors to men in their mid-40s. While charges are yet to be formally filed, all detained remain in custody, and none have publicly commented on the allegations. Due to Indian laws protecting the identity of sexual assault victims, the girl’s name has not been disclosed.
According to CNN, despite the severity of the case, it has not triggered widespread outrage similar to that seen in other incidents of violence against women in India. Experts attribute this muted response to the girl’s status as a Dalit, a group historically marginalized within the Hindu caste system. Dalits often face discrimination and violence, and their struggles are frequently overshadowed by societal biases.
Cynthia Stephen, a Dalit rights activist, noted, “When it’s Dalit women, in general, the outrage is less across the country.” This sentiment reflects a broader societal attitude where victims from lower castes are seen as less deserving of sympathy.
The girl’s ordeal began with the initial molestation, which was followed by a pattern of abuse involving at least three men who promised to marry her, as well as threats of violence to deter her from reporting the incidents.
The abuse reportedly occurred in various locations, including homes, cars, and public spaces, often facilitated through social media.
The community’s reaction has been complex. While some women expressed sympathy for the accused, blaming the survivor for her lifestyle and choices, others have rallied for justice. The girl’s parents, who work long hours as laborers, were reportedly unaware of the abuse until it became public.
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Experts highlight that the tight-knit nature of such communities often complicates the reporting of abuse, as perpetrators are frequently known to the victims. In Kerala, more than 98% of reported rape cases involve individuals familiar to the victim.
Official statistics reveal a troubling trend, with over 4,200 reported cases of rape against Dalit women in India in 2022, reflecting pervasive violence against this vulnerable group. The difficulties in reporting such crimes often leave many survivors without justice.
In response to the girl’s situation, police have allocated significant resources to the investigation, and she is currently receiving support in a shelter.
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