Thu Mar 06 12:00:53 UTC 2025: ## 14-Year-Old Girl Dies by Suicide After Alleged Coercion by Accused in POCSO Case

**Salem, March 6, 2025** – A 14-year-old girl in Salem, Tamil Nadu, died by suicide on Wednesday, prompting police to register a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against three individuals, including a minor, for alleged abetment.

The incident follows a November 2024 case where the girl, a class IX student, went missing after being lured away by K. Maya alias Subash (23). Subash, his father C. Kathavarayan (53), and two others were arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and later released on bail.

According to police, after their release, the accused, including Subash’s 17-year-old sister, allegedly pressured the girl to marry Subash to protect him from the ongoing POCSO case. Following this alleged coercion, the girl ended her life at home.

Kathavarayan has been arrested, while investigations are underway to apprehend the remaining accused. The body has been sent for postmortem. Authorities are urging anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to contact the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, or Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.

Read More