Thiruvananthapuram: In a remarkable breakthrough, Kerala Police on Wednesday arrested a man who had been absconding for over two decades after sexually exploiting his student in 2001. The arrest was made by the Vanchiyoor Police in the state capital, bringing an end to a 23-year-long manhunt.
The accused, identified as Muthu Kumar from Niramankara, Thiruvananthapuram, had been on the run since being charged with the sexual assault of a school student. Despite repeated efforts, he had managed to evade capture for years by altering his identity.
According to police sources, Kumar had converted to another religion and assumed the name Sam to conceal his past. He had been living and working in Chennai under this false identity for several years.
After years of intelligence gathering and surveillance, police finally traced him to his residence in Chennai. He was brought back to Thiruvananthapuram for further legal proceedings. Officials described the arrest as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement in ensuring justice, no matter how long it takes.