Daijiworld Media Network - Taliparambu

Taliparambu, Mar 14: A 23-year-old woman has been apprehended by police in Taliparambu, Kerala, following allegations of sexually exploiting a 12-year-old schoolgirl. Sneha Merlin was arrested on Friday under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act.

Merlin, who had recently garnered attention for an assault on a CPI leader, now faces serious charges related to child sexual abuse. The current investigation was initiated after the 12-year-old's class teacher discovered inappropriate images on the girl's mobile phone, which was found in her schoolbag.

Upon being alerted, school authorities involved the girl's parents and Child Line. Subsequent counseling sessions revealed that the girl had been subjected to sexual exploitation by Merlin. Investigations further allege that the abuse had been ongoing, with the current arrest relating to incidents in February. It has also been revealed that Merlin had given gifts to the young victim.

Police are now expanding their investigation to determine if there are additional victims. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced indicating that Merlin had previously sexually abused a 14-year-old schoolboy, reportedly threatening him to maintain silence.