19-year-old held for raping minor

KOCHI: The city police arrested a 19-year-old on charge of raping a minor girl. The accused was identified as Ebenezar, a native of Mulavukadu. The accused was allegedly in a relationship with a plus two student from Thoppumpady and abused her by taking her to her friend’s house at Irumpanam in December last year. The case came to light about three weeks ago after the girl was admitted to a hospital with stomach ache. After a medical examination of the girl confirmed abuse, the hospital management alerted the Childline workers, who in turn, filed a complaint with the Tripunithura police. The accused landed in the custody of the shadow police while taking part in drag racing through the Marine Drive walkway. On being alerted by locals, a team of shadow police rushed to the spot and overpowered the accused. He was produced in a local court and remanded in custody.