A 43-year-old woman working as a cook at an institution within the jurisdiction of the Kasaragod Town police station has been arrested on charge of sexually abusing a 14-year-old Class 8 student.

The accused was taken into custody after a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The police said the abuse had allegedly been occurring repeatedly since September last year.

According to the complaint, the girl disclosed the alleged harassment to her mother while returning home during a vacation. Her mother subsequently informed the authorities concerned and officials of the Childline India Foundation, following which the child was provided counselling. Details of the alleged abuse came to light during the counselling.

Following a report by Childline workers, the police registered a POCSO case and arrested the accused. A detailed investigation is under way.