Mill owner held for sexual abuse of 13-year-old girl

The girl and her parents were among 28 bonded labourers rescued by the district authorities last week. The issue came to light when the girl was examined by a medical team after the rescue.

The revenue divisional officer Muthu Vadivel had conducted an inquiry with the workers, including women and children. The rescued victims were also examined at the government hospital.

While many rescued workers were diagnosed with malnutrition, doctors found that the 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted several times. Following this, the revenue officials lodged a police complaint to apprehend the suspect. During questioning, the girl told police personnel that she was detained illegally at a separate guest house belonging to the timber sawmill owner, who abused her after her parents went to work.

Based on the confession of the girl, the Thazhambur police personnel registered a case and arrested the accused identified as Jayapaul. He has been booked under the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting the girl in illegal confinement.