The Vallam All Women Police arrested a 30-year-old man on charges of sexually assaulting a Chennai-based girl who reportedly ran away from her home and reached Thanjavur in search of her boyfriend who had promised to marry her.

According to the police, the 14-year-old girl arrived in Thanjavur on February 13 and was searching for her boyfriend at the New Bus Stand. The boyfriend, who reportedly promised to receive her at the bus stand, did not respond to her phone calls.

At this juncture, the accused offered to help the girl unite with her boyfriend residing at a hamlet in Thiruvonam block in Thanjavur district. However, he took her to his residence on the outskirts of Thanjavur and allegedly sexually assaulted her for nearly three days while his wife was away.

Meanwhile, the girl’s parent had lodged a missing person complaint with the Greater Chennai Police. The girl’s photograph had been forwarded to all police stations in the State. On February 16, the girl was spotted with the accused at the New Bus Stand by the police. When the police enquired with them, the two gave contradictory replies. They were handed over to the Vallam All Women Police where the girl revealed that she had been sexually assaulted by the man. The accused was arrested under the POCSO Act. The girl’s boyfriend was also arrested for luring her to run away from home by promising to marry her.