Shocking Allegations: Dalit Woman Claims Assault by 64 Men in Kerala

In a disturbing case from Kerala, an 18-year-old Dalit woman has accused 64 men of sexual abuse dating back to when she was just 13. The police have arrested 28 suspects, while the investigation continues, revealing systemic issues of caste discrimination and vulnerability among marginalized communities in India.

In a deeply troubling revelation from the southern Indian state of Kerala, an 18-year-old Dalit woman has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against 64 men over a period of five years. The girl, who reported the abuse for the first time after receiving support from government counselors, claims the assaults began when she was just 13 years old.

Authorities have detained 28 individuals in connection with these allegations, which include neighbors, sports coaches, and acquaintances of her father's. The accused span a wide age range, from 17 to 47 years old, and have yet to provide public comment on the charges.

Police sources disclose that various laws, including those under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, have been invoked to address these incidents, emphasizing the serious nature of the claims against a backdrop of longstanding caste-based discrimination. The situation is compounded by the fact that many of the reported assaults occurred when the victim was still a minor, invoking the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The alarming details of the case surfaced following a visit by a team of counselors to the woman’s residence, who subsequently alerted the Child Welfare Committee after noticing signs of distress. During counseling sessions, the victim detailed her traumatic experiences, shedding light on the years of abuse that had been hidden from her family.

Initial findings suggest that the woman was subjected to continuous assaults, including multiple incidents of gang rape. Reports indicate that one of the neighbors began the abuse, including taking explicit photographs that were later disseminated to acquaintances. Further investigations are ongoing, with a dedicated 25-member police team formed to delve deeper into the case.

As this heart-wrenching story continues to unfold, it has sparked outrage across India, calling attention to the pervasive issues of sexual violence and caste discrimination in society. The victim, now in a protective shelter, is expected to provide further testimony to investigators as they work diligently to ensure justice is served.