17 held for sexually assaulting hearing impaired minor girl

Chennai : Seventeen persons, mostly service staff in an apartment complex, were arrested for sexually assaulting a minor hearing impaired girl for seven months, police said on Tuesday.

The accused are in the age group of 23-66 and were working in the apartment complex as plumbers, lift operators, security guard and others.

The minor girl is the daughter of a resident in the apartment complex.

The accused have been charged under Indian Penal Code provisions and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A court here remanded them in judicial custody till July 31.

The matter came to light when the girl narrated her ordeal to her elder sister on Monday and their parents were informed. A police complaint was lodged by the girls' parents.

Meanwhile DMK leader M.K. Stalin in a statement said the accused should be tried and given severe punishment.