Nine people, including two government employees and a politician, were arrested in Kerala’s Kasaragod district for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy who was befriended via a dating app for the LGBTQ community. The police uncovered a network of 14 accused who exploited the minor over two years, across multiple districts.
The case, now being probed by a Special Investigation Team, highlights growing concerns around digital exploitation of marginalised youth and the responsibility of online platforms, families, and law enforcement in ensuring safety.
How the Crime Came to Light
The abuse remained concealed for two years until the boy’s mother noticed a stranger fleeing their home, prompting her to question her son. On learning of the traumatic events, she contacted the Childline helpline, which swiftly notified police.
A senior district officer revealed that the assaults occurred at various locations including Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam, facilitated by initial online contact on a gay dating app. Authorities registered 14 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with each accused facing multiple charges.
Officials, Public Servants, and Investigation
Among those arrested are a Railways employee, an assistant education officer, a football coach, and a local politician, many of whom were married and had children. Kasaragod police chief Vijaya Bharat Reddy emphasised the systematic nature of the offences and confirmed their probe into possible regulatory lapses with regard to age verification and app safety.
“We have formed a Special Investigation Team and are reviewing both the digital and physical evidence,” Reddy said. The officials suspended implicated public servants as investigations spread to Kozhikode and Kannur districts, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Digital Dangers and LGBTQ Youth
The probe exposed troubling gaps in the protection of minors and LGBTQ users on digital platforms. The boy, posing as an adult for app access, became vulnerable to exploitation, a risk compounded by the stigma and isolation faced by many LGBTQ youths. Kerala’s police are now scrutinising dating apps for regulatory failures and testing cyber monitoring protocols, while child welfare agencies are providing counselling for the survivor.
The incident also revives debate around meaningful safeguards for children online, particularly those belonging to marginalised groups, and the urgent need for more proactive oversight by tech companies and parental support.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This shocking series of events underscores the responsibility shared by families, law enforcement, and digital platform providers in strengthening protections for young and marginalised communities.
The Logical Indian condemns all forms of sexual exploitation and calls for greater empathy, vigilance, and harmony in supporting survivors and reforming digital safety. It is time we discuss:
