A disturbing instance of exploitation under the guise of religious healing has emerged from the Kollam district of Keralam. A 16-year-old girl was subjected to repeated sexual abuse in the Ochira region after being promised that her ailments would be cured through prayer. Law enforcement officials took prompt action by arresting an Islamic academy director and vlogger who allegedly exploited the deep trust placed in him by the victim's household.
Exploitation Under the Guise of Prayer and Healing
According to the police, the entire ordeal began when the young girl was suffering from persistent health complications. Her grandmother, holding firm faith that prayers would bring relief, accompanied the teenager to the accused. He convinced the family that he possessed the ability to resolve all her physical troubles through divine intervention. Using this established faith as a cover, the perpetrator isolated the minor. Police investigations reveal that between 2025 and 2026, he transported the victim to multiple different locations and subjected her to repeated sexual exploitation.
Identity of the Accused and Disclosure by the Minor
The individual taken into custody has been identified as 34-year-old Mohammed Niyas Jauhari, a resident of Devikulangara in Alappuzha district. He served as the director of the Habibiya Islamic Academy located in Ochira and maintained a presence as a vlogger. Unable to bear the ongoing distress, the minor finally broke her silence and confided in her family members about the atrocities she had endured. Shocked by her revelations, the family immediately approached the authorities to seek justice.
Detention in Karunagappally and Formal Arrest
Following the formal statement provided by the girl, the Ochira police station registered a case and initiated an immediate search for the accused. Investigating officers tracked him down and took him into custody from Karunagappally on Saturday night. Following extensive questioning regarding the allegations, his arrest was formally recorded on Sunday. The authorities have charged him under various stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and further proceedings are currently underway.
