Schoolgirl used as cover for peddling drugs; Kottayam Excise, police launch joint probe

The Kottayam Excise officials and police have launched a joint investigation into a case in which a 13-year-old girl was allegedly used as a cover to sell drugs by a 21-year-old youth in the district. Acting on a tip-off, officials apprehended the youth near his residence on October 7 with 15 grams of ganja. Further investigation led them to his house, where they found the girl, her younger sibling, and the accused’s father.

“The accused and the girl had been neighbours three years ago. Through that acquaintance, they reportedly developed a relationship over the past year. For about six months, the youth would allegedly take the girl from her house every morning to various places to sell drugs and drop her back around 3.30 pm. Her parents, who left for work thinking she was attending school, were unaware of the matter,” said an Excise officer.

“On that particular day, the girl’s mother had asked her to take the younger sibling to the hospital, but instead, the accused took both children to his house, where his father was present. Both girls have since been shifted to a care home,” the officer added.

The case has been handed over to the Gandhi Nagar Police, who will also probe possible charges of molestation and rape. “The girl was taken to several places, including Wagamon. Drug peddlers like these often use girls to blend in or avoid suspicion. In this case, the father acted as a protective cover for the accused’s crimes. The youth is a repeat offender with cases registered in several stations,” officials said.

The accused, who was earlier arrested and released on bail, is currently absconding along with his father.