Police in Kerala have uncovered a fake birthday celebration and forged documents used to mask the age of a 16-year-old girl allegedly trafficked for sexual abuse at a Kovalam spa.
Staged Event to Facilitate Abuse
The accused held a fake 20th birthday for the minor at the spa to present her as an adult, according to testimony from the girl’s maternal aunt, Nagalakshmi. Nagalakshmi and her husband, Jellagopi, are suspects in the case. Police confirmed that Jellagopi created a fraudulent Aadhaar card, changing the girl’s birth year from 2011 to 2006. The girl was brought from Bengaluru by an intermediary, Krishnaveni, to facilitate the abuse.
Did You Know? The forged Aadhaar card altered the victim’s age.
Financial records under scrutiny
Investigators have learned that Jellagopi received approximately 1.5 lakh rupees monthly from Sajith Kumar, the third accused. Sajith Kumar’s mobile phones were recovered by the police. Financial records of the accused are now under scrutiny to uncover the full extent of the operation.
Broader Network and Victim’s Ordeal
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has registered charges under the POCSO Act, human trafficking, and forgery. A ninth accused, Tamil Nadu native Jimilin, was arrested. Police are preparing an identification parade involving 16 regular spa visitors, including government officials, who are suspected of abusing the girl. The victim was also taken to Wayanad, indicating a wider trafficking network.
Legal Actions and Next Steps
Nagalakshmi is in SIT custody and will be brought to Kovalam spas for evidence collection. The owner of the spa in Guduvanchery, Tamil Nadu, is expected to be arrested soon. The traumatized minor is receiving counseling at a Child Welfare Committee center, and police anticipate more arrests as forensic analysis of the digital evidence proceeds.
Horrific Details of the Abuse
The victim was allegedly subjected to severe abuse, including being burnt with candles when she resisted. A medical examination revealed over 20 burn marks and injuries on her body. Her maternal aunt and uncle are alleged to have sold her to a Bengaluru-based sex racket. Investigators also found that Nagalakshmi and her husband brought the girl to the spas under the pretext of a cleaning job and stayed there themselves to oversee the abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main accused in the case?
The first accused is Nagalakshmi, the victim’s maternal aunt, and her husband is Jellagopi. The third accused is Sajith Kumar.
What evidence has been recovered so far?
Police have seized five mobile phones from Sajith Kumar. A forged Aadhaar card altering the victim’s age has also been recovered.
What charges have been filed against the accused?
The SIT has registered charges under the POCSO Act, human trafficking, and forgery.
How will the authorities ensure the safety of other potential victims in this case?
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