Kannur, 12 August (H.S): A 23-year-old cable television technician from Kannur has been arrested by Thiruvananthapuram police for allegedly sexually abusing two 14-year-old schoolgirls after befriending them through Instagram.

The accused, identified as Anuraj of Kooveri in Chapparapadavu panchayat near Taliparamba, was arrested in connection with two cases registered within the limits of the Pothencode police station. Police said he also works as a loading worker and driver.

According to investigators, Anuraj befriended the two girls separately on Instagram and allegedly presented himself as the boyfriend of both without either girl being aware of his interaction with the other.

Police said Anuraj later travelled by train from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram and allegedly sexually assaulted both girls on the same day.

Investigators said he first went to the house of one of the girls when she was alone and allegedly sexually assaulted her. Later that night, he allegedly visited the house of her friend and sexually assaulted her as well.

Police have also accused Anuraj of recording nude visuals of the two minors. After returning to Kannur, he allegedly blocked both girls on Instagram and discontinued communication with them.

The alleged offences came to light after one of the girls approached police and lodged a complaint. Pothencode police subsequently registered a case under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and began an investigation.

During the probe, police received a similar complaint from the second girl, leading investigators to examine the connection between the two cases.

A police team subsequently traced Anuraj to his residence at Kooveri and arrested him.

Taliparamba police said Anuraj was already facing trial in a separate case involving the alleged sexual assault of another minor girl about three years ago. Police are continuing their investigation into the latest cases.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman