Minor marriage: 4 arrested in Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai all women police arrested four persons under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in connection with a minor marriage and sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl, recently. A search is on for four more persons, who have gone into hiding.

Sources said that Kumaresan (24), an employee of a Bengaluru-based firm and son of Rajendran of Rayandapuram near Tiruvannamalai, was married to a 17-year-old girl from Villupuram, with the consent of both families on November 30, 2017. As the girl was unable to bear the sexual harassment from her husband, she returned to her parents’ house on May 23 this year.

As both sides attempted to resolve the issue between the husband and wife, the victim approached Tiruvannamalai Collector KS Kandasamy a few days ago and narrated her plight. Following this, he ordered Superintendent of Police MR Sibi Chakaravarthy to initiate action in the matter. Following this, the SP instructed the Tiruvannamalai all women police station to investigate into the matter. Inquiries revealed that parents of both sides were responsible for the marriage of the girl and Kumaresan had molested the victim despite knowing that she was a minor.

Police registered cases under the POCSO Act against Kumaresan, his father Rajendran (57), mother Amsa (51) and their daughters Shobana, Vanathi and Uthra and also the parents of the girl.

The victim’s parents and her in laws were arrested. However, a search is on for Kumaresan and his three sisters who are absconding.