Kerala: Mother lets lover molest 10-year-old child in theater, arrested
Kerala Police has made shocking revelations in the sexual abuse case of a 10-year-old in a theater in Malappuram. Her mother had brought her along so she could be exploited by her lover, and knew the child was being assaulted throughout the movie, they said. Now both the man and the mother have been arrested and booked under relevant sections of POCSO and IPC.
Theater staff saw crime happening on CCTV footage
The crime has triggered intense backlash due to its horror and police inaction. On April 18, Moideen Kutty, his lover and her child went to the movie-hall, where he sat in the middle. Throughout the show, he kept assaulting the child while indulging in sexual contact with the mother. The staff noticed the crime on CCTV footage minutes before the movie was to end.
Despite information, police sat on the case for a month
To confirm the crime, the staff reran the footage and discovered the assault had started right from the beginning. They noted down his car number, looked him up online and matched his photos with those on his Facebook profile. They immediately contacted ChildLine with all proof, which informed police the next day. But police didn't act till a local channel reported the crime.
Kutty's influence as a wealthy businessman presumably deterred police
Action against Kutty was delayed apparently because of his influence as a rich businessman. He owns jewelry showrooms in Kerala as well as in the Gulf, which he visits frequently. Changaramkulam Sub-Inspector KG Baby was suspended Saturday for not acting promptly.
Authorities working to move all three sisters to safe homes
It has since been revealed that the child is the youngest of three daughters, who live with their mother near the Palakkad-Malappuram border. She has now been shifted to a Nirbhaya home, ChildLine said. Her statement will be recorded soon. Arrangements are also being made for the other two girls, who will be transferred to safe homes like their sister.
