The Fort All Women Police in Tiruchi have arrested nine persons, including two youths and seven juveniles, for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl after befriending her on Instagram.

According to the police, the minor girl, a resident of Mudaliarsathram in Tiruchi, went missing from her home last month. Following a complaint lodged by her parents, the Palakkarai police registered a missing person case and launched a search.

The police traced girl and rescued her. However, when they attempted to hand her over to her parents, she refused to go with them. The police then put her up at a registered children’s shelter home.

While staying at the home, the girl disclosed to the staff that she was sexually harassed by a group of individuals. The home management immediately alerted the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO). A team from the Child Welfare Committee subsequently met the girl and recorded her detailed statement when she revealed that she was harassed by individuals she had befriended on Instagram.

Based on a comprehensive inquiry report and a formal complaint lodged by the District Child Protection Officer, the Fort All Women Police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

During the investigation, the police identified and arrested the accused, including Kishore, 20, and Mohanraj, 19. The two youths were remanded in the Tiruchi Central Prison while the seven juveniles were sent to the Government Observation Home in Thanjavur. A hunt is on to trace another 17-year-old boy.