Third accused held in minor sexual abuse case, related matter transferred to Fort police

T’puram: Vizhinjam Police on Saturday arrested a third accused in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl in Kovalam, days after a medical storeowner and a gym trainer were taken into custody in the case.The latest accused is C Ratheesh, 39, of Pulayanvilakam. Ratheesh, who works as a gas-cylinder delivery worker, allegedly became acquainted with the minor girl and subsequently subjected her to sexual abuse, SI M Prasanth said.According to the police, Ratheesh allegedly took the girl in a car from Vizhinjam to a hotel near Pachalloor, where the offence was allegedly committed. The incidents are believed to have taken place during the past two months.Earlier, Kovalam Police arrested medical storeowner Anoop, 39, of Poonkulam, and gym trainer Roy, 27, of Pallichal, in connection with the case. Both are currently in judicial custody.Meanwhile, the probe has also expanded across police station jurisdictions. The police said that a related case falls under the jurisdiction of the Fort Police Station. Consequently, Kovalam Police have transferred the matter relating to that incident to Fort Police for further probe.The transfer is part of the investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of the minor and the involvement of multiple accused in incidents reported from different locations.The police are continuing the investigation to determine whether more people were involved and to establish the sequence of events.Stay updated with the latest Thiruvananthapuram news. Download the TOI App.