The Palarivattom police on Sunday (October 4, 2026) arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly raping and blackmailing a transwoman. The arrested is Muhammed Shafil of Tanur, Malappuram.

The youth, who reportedly befriended the survivor through social media, is accused of sexual assault, recording visuals, and extorting ₹1.18 lakh by threatening to circulate the videos on social media. The alleged incident occurred in July.

The police said he had been out on bail in a POCSO case. The Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days.