Kerala woman arrested under Pocso Act for abusing 12-year-old girl

In Kerala's Kannur, a 23-year-old woman has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually exploiting a 12-year-old schoolgirl. The accused, identified as Sneha Merlin, was taken into custody on Friday following an investigation triggered by the girl’s unusual behavior.

The incident came to light when the girl’s class teacher, during a routine inspection, discovered her mobile phone in her school bag, as per a report on IANS. Upon checking the device, the teacher found inappropriate images that raised immediate concerns. The school authorities, after consulting with the girl’s parents, alerted Child Line, a child protection service.

During subsequent counseling sessions, the girl revealed that she had been sexually exploited by Sneha Merlin. Further investigation by authorities uncovered that Merlin had been abusing the minor for some time. The arrest was made based on evidence of her inappropriate advances toward the girl in February. It was also revealed that Merlin had given the victim several gifts, possibly as a means to groom her, reported India Today.