The special investigation team probing the alleged rape of a minor in Kerala, arrested her father on Saturday, in connection with the case.

According to the police, the minor’s father was arrested for helping the six accused in the case who were arrested earlier.

DYSP Alappuzha, PV Baby, who is investigating the case, said that the father, a physically challenged man, allowed the first accused Athira alias Gloria (24), to take the minor out.

“Athira used to pay the father money to buy alcohol. The dad was aware of Athira’s intentions when he took the child from home at night to several places. He has been remanded,” the DYSP was quoted as saying.

The official also told the media that the father sent his daughter out with the abusers for Rs 300 and he used the money to buy alcohol. The police also confirmed that the minor’s father was addicted to alcohol.

The other accused in the case are Nelson Thomas (40), a senior civil police officer attached to Narcotics Cell, Mararikulam probationary SI KG Laiju (38), and two youths Jinumon (22), and Prince (28).

The police officials were suspended from service as soon as the case came to light.

“The accused persons were arrested based on the statements of the girl and the main accused Athira. Our search is still on,” the DSP added, reports TOI.

The arrested were booked under Sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 363 (Kidnapping), 366A (Procuration of minor girl), 370 (Trafficking) and 34 of the IPC, besides relevant sections of the Juvinile Justice Act and Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Meanwhile, members of the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) marched to the DYSP’s office on Saturday, alleging that the officials were trying to save high rank officials. The protestors also demanded that the case should be investigated only by a team led by an IG rank officer, Deccan Chronicle reported.