Pocso case against Kerala woman for fourth time after sexually abusing teen
A 25-year-old woman has been booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, said Kerala police on Friday. The accused, Sneha Merlin, 25, is a
A 25-year-old woman has been booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, said Kerala police on Friday. The accused, Sneha Merlin, 25, is a resident of Kannur in Kerala. Police said the alleged incident took place a few months ago in Kasaragod at the survivor's house, but she did not initially tell anyone about it. The matter came to light during a counselling session, after which the girl’s parents learnt of the incident and lodged a complaint against Merlin, who is a friend of the survivor's mother.
Read Full Story According to the police, Merlin used to visit the family’s house regularly because of her friendship with the girl’s mother. On one such visit, she allegedly sexually assaulted the girl, police said. A case has been registered against Merlin under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Officials said her arrest would be recorded soon. NOT THE FIRST TIME Police also said Merlin was already involved in three other POCSO cases registered at the Taliparamba police station, including the alleged sexual assault of a girl in March 2025.
The other two survivor in those cases were minor boys, including the brother of the girl involved in the Taliparamba case. For the offences registered under the Taliparamba police jurisdiction, Merlin has been charged under Sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 332 (house trespass) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, investigators have invoked Sections 5(l) (penetrative sexual assault) and 9(l) (aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Apart from these offences, Merlin was also allegedly involved in other criminal cases, police said.
They added that further investigation into her background is under way. The latest case was registered after the teenager disclosed the alleged assault during counselling, leading her parents to file a complaint. Police said they are continuing their investigation while also examining Merlin’s alleged involvement in other cases. Ends With inputs from PTI
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