40 arrested so far in Kerala minor sex case: Police

Speaking to IANS, Deputy Superintendent of Police Bijo Alexander, who heads the investigation team, said the accused include people from a broad spectrum of society including the rich and mighty. Over 60 more accused are yet to be arrested.

"The incident occurred two years back when the girl was 14 years old. We came to know about it after her relatives complained to police. We made the first arrest in March and today (Monday), two people have been held, taking the total of arrested people to 40," said Alexander.

It was the girl's father who took her to various places and forced her into having sex with many saying that she would get a chance to act in films, he said.

"Her mother was arrested because she hid the crime. This is a tough case and at the moment, we do not know when we will be able to complete the arrest of all the accused because some of them are in Tamil Nadu," added Alexander.

The girl is currently lodged in an undisclosed location and is undergoing counselling. She is keen to resume her studies.