16-yr-old sexual assault survivor dies by suicide

Kozhikode: A 16-year-old sexual assault survivor died by suicide in Wayanad on Monday, police said. The Plus One student was found hanging at her home, where she lived with her father.The sexual abuse, which reportedly occurred multiple times between 2024 and 2025, first came to light during a school counseling session. Following a formal complaint, police arrested a relative and a neighbour of the girl on Feb 12 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.The duo was remanded in judicial custody last week and thereafter, police were carrying out further case related activities like recording of the victim's statement, collecting evidence, he said. The girl, whose parents were living separately, had been mentally disturbed for a few years and was undergoing psychiatric treatment, police said. She had made three suicide attempts in the last two years, they said. The girl's death has triggered sharp criticism against local authorities for failing to provide adequate follow-up counseling and protective care. Kalpetta MLA T Siddique described the tragedy as a shocking lapse, and pointed out that the survivor's suicide, occurring despite an active police case, pointed to a grave failure by authorities to ensure her safety. Police have registered a case of unnatural death. (With inputs from PTI)