Kidnapping ‘Instagram friends’, sexually harassing minor girl, seven minors out of nine arrested

Fort All Women police in Tiuchi have arrested nine persons, including two juveniles and seven juveniles, for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl after she befriended 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 by her parents, the Palakkarai police registered a missing person case and launched a search.

The police found and rescued the girl. However, when they tried to hand her over to her parents, she refused to go with them. The police then placed her in a registered children’s shelter.

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

Based on a comprehensive investigation report and a formal complaint filed by the District Child Welfare Officer, the Fort All Women police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO).

During the investigation, the police identified and arrested the accused, including Kishore (20) and Mohanraj (19). Two youths were lodged in the Tiruchi Central Jail, while seven juveniles were sent to the government observation center in Thanjavur. A search is underway for another 17-year-old boy.

Published – 07 Jun 2026 20:22 IST