CHENNAI: A shopkeeper in Madhavaram was arrested under the Pocso Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) for sexually abusing a Class 7 student. The accused, identified as Arockiaraj (50), is a resident of Madhavaram and owns a fancy store in the same locality.

According to police sources, the incident occurred on December 10 when the 13-year-old girl visited his shop to buy some goods. As the girl came alone, Arockiaraj lured her in offering her some gifts and sexually harassed her. The accused also told the girl to not divulge what happened at the shop to any person.

The victim had not shared her ordeal with any elder, but told one of her friends. The accused had targeted the victim again and asked her to visit his shop after which she got frightened and told her friend who informed the victim’s parents.

The girl’s parents filed a complaint with the Puzhal All-Women Police Station. Based on their statement, the police registered a case under the POCSO Act.

Arockiaraj was subsequently arrested on Tuesday. He was produced before a magistrate court in the city and remanded in judicial custody.