A 16-year-old boy in Kerala's Kasaragod district was sexually assaulted by at least 15 men he met on a dating app. The case took unexpected turn after police launched an investigation, which has so far led to the arrest of nine individuals. Among those arrested are an Assistant Educational Officer and a member of the Railway Protection Force, reflecting the range of professions involved in the crime.

Police are continuing their search for several other suspects who are currently at large, including Vadakkumbattu Siraj, a 46-year-old local leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) political party. According to Kasaragod district Superintendent of Police, Vijay Bharath Reddy, the boy connected with the accused on a dating app. The app requires users to self-declare that they are over the age of 18.

The minor made this declaration, which allowed him to access the platform. Reddy also pointed out that the boy, who had his own mobile phone and an internet connection, appeared to lack parental supervision regarding his mobile usage. Authorities believe the boy was exploited for a period of about two years before the abuse came to light.

The matter was discovered after the boy's mother noticed significant behavioral changes in her son and grew suspicious. She then contacted the state's child protection helpline, which led to the boy receiving psychological counseling. The information he provided during these sessions helped police piece together the full scope of the abuse.

In total, 14 separate cases have been officially registered in connection with the widespread exploitation. Due to the involvement of individuals from different regions, six of these cases have been transferred to Kannur and Kozhikode districts for further investigation.The remaining eight cases, which involve a total of 10 accused individuals, are being investigated in Kasaragod. The investigation is ongoing as police work to apprehend all remaining suspects and bring them to justice.