A 20-year-old youth from Tirunelveli was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after he allegedly took a 15-year-old girl from Anthiyur taluk to Tirunelveli on the promise of marriage.
The police said the girl had become acquainted with the accused, identified as Vaikundan, through Instagram, and the two later developed a relationship. He allegedly persuaded the minor to leave with him by assuring her that he would marry her.
After the girl went missing, her parents lodged a complaint with the Anthiyur police. Based on the complaint, a police team traced the girl to Tirunelveli, rescued her, and secured the custody of the accused. Vaikundan was arrested. Further investigation is under way.
Published – July 09, 2026 05:48 pm IST
