12-year-old rape victim to give birth, accused held

Police identified the rape accused as Perumal and a father of two. Based on the complaint by the child’s mother, the Thirumangalam all women police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested him. The mother is a daily wage labourer.

Police said Perumal would sexually assault the girl whenever he was alone in the house and would threaten her with dire consequences if she told anyone. The incident came to light after the girl complained of severe stomach pain to her mother. She was examined by doctors at KMC who confirmed her pregnancy. Police said Perumal knew the girl for the past two years as she visited his house regularly to play with friends. He exploited her on Sundays when his wife and kids were in church. 

However, it is not clear why none in the girl’s family realised she was nine months pregnant before filing a complaint.