POCSO Act accused who went missing from hospital arrested

A 61-year-old autorickshaw driver, who was booked in a POCSO Act case for allegedly sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl, was arrested on Sunday, a day after he went missing from a government hospital, where he was undergoing treatment.On Friday, the autorickshaw driver allegedly sexually assaulted the girl while she was travelling to school in his vehicle. Following this, the girl’s parents and relatives assaulted him, causing injuries to his head and back. His son subsequently rescued him and admitted him to Periyar Nagar Government Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.Based on a complaint lodged by the girl’s mother, the Puzhal All-Women Police Station registered a case. Meanwhile, the police learnt that the autorickshaw driver had gone missing from the hospital around 5.30 a.m. on Saturday. Under the supervision of the Kolathur Deputy Commissioner of Police, special teams were formed.Following an intensive investigation and searches at various locations, the autorickshaw driver was arrested and questioned. After interrogation, he was produced before a court on Sunday. Published - November 01, 2026 08:28 pm IST