Horrifying! Survivor of six POCSO cases commits suicide; family alleges continuous police pressure
The girl’s mother said the survivor was under pressure from police to withdraw complaints against the culprits.
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At a time when the Kerala government is already under fire due to the multiple cases of rape and with the police failing to protect the public, an 18-year-old POCSO case survivor took her life in Thenhipalam. The incident has triggered massive protests against the Department of Women and Child Development and the police for failing to protect her.
The girl, a survivor of six POCSO cases, was sexually assaulted by people, including her relatives. She has been living with her mother and younger brother in a rented house in the area for the past six months. The incident occurred when her mother went out of the house on Wednesday.
Reportedly, she was alone at home when she hanged herself while her mother and brother were out. After discovering her, the victim's family broke into the house and rushed her to the hospital, however, she was declared dead on arrival. Later, the girl's body was shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
The girl’s mother said the survivor was under pressure from police to withdraw complaints against the culprits. Her mother also alleged that she was pressured to change her statement as they were trying to save the accused. She also accused the administration of not counselling the victim even once after the incident.
She said, "No one supported me to raise my children. I informed officials that my daughter often tries to cut her veins and swallow some pills to commit suicide. Yet, no one helped my daughter with counselling. I also asked the officials to take my daughter to some shelter homes. They have never listened to my plea. The police were never helpful."
In March 2021, six Pocso cases were registered in the Feroke police station and one in the Kondotty police station. The sexual abuse case came to light after the officials with Childline Kozhikode counselled the girl.
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