A troubling case has emerged from Kerala’s Kasaragod district involving the prolonged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy by a group of 15 men, with nine of the accused already in custody while the search continues for the rest. The victim was reportedly lured through an LGBTQ dating app, leading to exploitation across multiple districts over a span of two years.

The abuse surfaced when the boy’s mother noticed strange behavior and the presence of a stranger fleeing their home. Upon questioning, the boy disclosed the ongoing abuse, prompting the mother to contact the Childline helpline, which alerted the police. Following a detailed inquiry, authorities registered 14 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, reflecting the gravity and complexity of the situation.

Among those arrested are individuals from varied backgrounds including government employees—one from the Railways and another an Assistant Educational Officer—a local politician, and even a football coach. The accused range in age from 25 to 51 years and were involved in sexually assaulting the boy at his home and other locations across Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam districts.

This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities posed by digital platforms, especially for minors who can inadvertently expose themselves to predators despite age restrictions and self-declaration barriers on such apps. Experts and child protection organizations are emphasizing the urgent need for stronger safeguards online, parental controls, and swift action under legal provisions to protect children from digital exploitation.

Kerala police have instituted a Special Investigation Team to comprehensively probe the complex network of abuse. Authorities have suspended implicated public servants and issued lookout notices for accused individuals evading arrest. The case has sparked widespread outrage and calls for heightened awareness on child safety both in digital and real-world environments.