Five arrested for sexually abusing 19-year-old girl in Theni

THENI: Five persons were arrested by the Periyakulam All Women Police on Thursday for allegedly sexually abusing a 19-year-old girl in Theni. The case was registered on a complaint by the girl, who alleged that she was raped by the five accused eight months ago.

According to police sources, the girl’s father had taken a loan from C Mani, one of the accused, and was unable to repay it. She alleged that Mani kidnapped her along with four others – Palani, N Navneet, V Suresh and Hari from Periyakulam – in a car. While Palani and Navaneet were sexually assaulting her, Mani recorded videos on their mobile phones and threatened to circulate them on social media if she told anyone about the incident, police sources said. Suresh and Hari were standing guard during the alleged assault, they added.

On Wednesday, the victim lodged a complaint with the Theni Superintendent of Police, who directed the all-women police station to investigate the incident. Further investigation is underway to nab the accused, who are currently absconding.