Mon Dec 29 12:35:45 UTC 2025: Summary:

A 22-year-old man, S. Saravanan, was arrested in Karur district, India, under the POCSO Act for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl. The victim was lured away from her home with the promise of candy and taken to a secluded area. Villagers, upon finding Saravanan attempting to return the child, apprehended him and alerted the police. The incident sparked protests by residents who demanded action against anti-social elements and the closure of a nearby liquor store.

News Article:

Man Arrested for Child Sexual Assault; Protests Erupt in Karur, India

Karur, India – December 29, 2025 – Thogaimalai police have arrested a 22-year-old man, identified as S. Saravanan of Magalipatti, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl in Karur district. The arrest was made on Saturday following a complaint filed by the girl’s mother.

According to police reports, Saravanan lured the Class II student from her home with the promise of candy while her mother was working nearby. He then allegedly took her to a secluded location approximately 8 km away and subjected her to sexual assault.

The situation came to light when concerned villagers discovered Saravanan attempting to return the child. Suspecting foul play, they detained him and contacted the Thogaimalai police. Saravanan is now remanded in judicial custody, facing charges under Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5(m) read with 6 of the POCSO Act.

The incident ignited widespread protests in the region, with hundreds of residents staging a “road roko” on the Kulithalai–Manapparai highway. Protesters cited concerns about the safety of women and children in the area, particularly due to the alleged presence of anti-social elements near a TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlet.

Kulithalai Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Senthilkumar and Thogaimalai Inspector Jayaraman engaged in negotiations with the demonstrators, promising to address their concerns. The protest was eventually called off after authorities assured the community that action would be taken. The investigation is ongoing.

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