Man held under POCSO act for sexually assaulting a Class IX girl

T’puram: A 24-year-old man was arrested by Mananthala police and remanded in judicial custody after he allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted a Class IX student inside her residence. The case was registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.The accused was identified as Manu, of Mananthala.According to police, Manu and the survivor first met at a common friend’s wedding function last month. Following the meeting, the two remained in contact through Instagram. The acquaintance was used by the accused to gain the survivor’s trust before targeting her.On May 18, Manu allegedly entered the survivor’s home, taking advantage of the fact that she was alone. During the visit, he allegedly offered her a juice bottle that he was holding, laced with a substance suspected to be a drug. As the girl lost consciousness, he sexually assaulted her. The accused also allegedly photographed and recorded videos during the assault, police said.The survivor approached child welfare committee (CWC) after the incident and reported the assault. CWC subsequently alerted Manathala police.Police recorded the survivor’s statement, during which she said that one more person was present and involved in the assault. The second accused is yet to be apprehended, and a search is currently under way, police said.However, Manu denied having an accomplice. He told police during questioning that no one else was involved in the incident.A police team led by Cantonment ACP is leading the investigation.Charges have been filed under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, which also covers offences related to the creation and storage of child sexual abuse material.Police said further details are expected to emerge as the interrogation of Manu progresses and efforts to recover digital evidence continue.