Attempted Sexual Assault of Minor Under the Guise of Black Magic: Former Political Worker Arrested 

Adoor, Ernakulam: The Adoor Police in Pathanamthitta have arrested a man named T. Ranju, a former member of the BJP Kollam East District Committee, for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a 15-year-old girl. The accused had reportedly gained access to the minor’s residence under the pretext of performing black magic rituals. 

The incident came to light after the victim informed her parents about the assault attempt. Following her disclosure, the parents filed an official complaint, prompting the police to register a case and take the suspect into custody. 

Legal significance 

This case carries significant legal weight under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, because it involves a minor and the exploitation of a position of trust. The accused faces charges under Section 18 of the POCSO Act for attempting to commit a sexual offense against a 15-year-old child, a crime that carries stringent penalties up to half of the maximum imprisonment prescribed for the full offense. The use of “black magic” rituals to gain access to the victim introduces an element of manipulation and breach of trust, which classifies the act under the scope of aggravated offenses, drawing much harsher minimum punishments under the Act. 

📰 Source: Kerala online news (English)