Two more arrested in sex scam

KOTHAMANGALAM: Two more persons were arrested from Poovathoor near here in connection with the Kothamangalam sex case on Tuesday.The arrested are Shihab, 24, son of Hassainar Eramthuruthil, Poovathoor, and Rafeeq, 24, son of Aliyar, Chettukudiyil, Poovathoor.A police team led by CI Subhash nabbed them from their hideouts. They were produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate and remanded in judicial custody.A minor girl, a high school student, was sexually exploited by several persons since 2008. Her father Muhammadali, of Nellikkuzhi, allegedly sold her to many people. The girl was harassed in cars and autorickshaws.With the arrest of Rafeeq and Shihab, the number of arrested has gone up to 19, including the girl's father, three minor boys (the girl's classmates) and 15 others.The police also seized eight vehicles, including four cars. Rafeeq and Shihab sexually abused her in cars taken on rent.The police have got clues regarding the owners of the cars. The cars will be seized soon, CI Subhash told Express. Ernakulam Rural SP Harshita Attalluri and Muvattupuzha DySP Tomy Sebastian are monitoring the investigation.