Youth held for allegedly raping transwoman in Kochi

The Palarivattom police on Sunday, October 4, 2026, arrested a 21-year-old man on charges of raping and blackmailing a transwoman in Kochi. The accused has been identified as Muhammed Shafil, a resident of Tanur in Malappuram.

Allegations and timeline

According to the police, Shafil allegedly befriended the survivor through social media before assaulting her. He is accused of recording visuals of the assault and subsequently using the material to threaten the survivor with circulation on social media platforms. Investigators said the threats were used to extort ₹1.18 lakh from the survivor. The alleged incident is reported to have occurred in July.

Arrest and judicial custody

Following his arrest by the Palarivattom police, Shafil was produced before the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court. The court remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days.

Prior case noted by police

Police said the accused had been out on bail in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the time of his arrest in the present matter.

What’s next

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the ongoing proceedings. The case is now before the magistrate’s court, with the accused in judicial custody as the investigation continues.

Published: October 4, 2026