Caretaker Held for Sexually Abusing Minor Boy at Kerala Shelter Home

Kozhikode: Kerala police arrested a 58-year-old caretaker for allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy at a government-run shelter home, officials said. The suspect, identified by police as Ayoob P, surrendered before the local court after police intensified a manhunt to find him. He has since been placed under judicial custody.

The alleged abuse came to light when the boy detailed his ordeal during an outreach session at the facility.

“The defendant abused his position of trust and repeatedly assaulted the child within the institution,” police said.

“As soon as the matter was brought to our attention, we registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act,” the officer added.

Police said they expanded the scope of the investigation to check for additional victims at the shelter.