Kozhikode records over 460 POCSO cases in a year

The district recorded no significant decline in the number of cases of sexual assault against minor children over the past year, with the latest data showing that over 460 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Increased legal awareness among children and timely intervention by the authorities have been cited as reasons for more number of cases getting registered. However, counsellors and law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the rise in sexual assault cases. According to them, the State-level figure during the period stood at 4,753 cases, as per State Crime Records Bureau data, and warrants serious attention.

The police officers involved in investigations said cases were reported almost equally from rural and urban areas of Kozhikode, with victims belonging to diverse socio-economic backgrounds over the past three years.

Official figures show that 217 POCSO cases were registered within Kozhikode city limits in 2025, while 246 cases were reported from rural areas during the same period. Police sources said most of the suspects had been arrested. Last year, Kozhikode district reportedly ranked second in the number of such cases, after Thiruvananthapuram.

A senior school counsellor in Kozhikode district said that early intervention by school counsellors and teachers played a key role in stopping abuse and bringing perpetrators to justice in time. She noted that even LKG students were among the survivors and said the resolve shown by most parents to pursue legal action was commendable.

Heads of several high schools and higher secondary schools said police efforts to protect the identity of survivors were noteworthy, as this encouraged more victims to come forward. In some cases, they said, police refrained from disclosing the identities of the accused to prevent indirect identification of survivors, adding that the media also exercised restraint.

A senior police officer associated with investigations into major cases said the police were following a zero-tolerance approach towards sexual crimes against minors. He said directions had been issued to fast-track procedures and strengthen coordination with child welfare committees and special investigation teams to ensure justice for survivors.