Kozhikode (Keralam) | A man has been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy at Valayam near Nadapuram here, while investigations are underway against five other people, officials said on Thursday.

The arrested person has been identified as Majeed (76), a native of Valayam.

Five FIRs have been registered at Valayam police station and another at Kuttiady police station in connection with the incident under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, police said.

The alleged abuse took place on multiple occasions at Valayam.

According to the boy's statement to police, he was taken to different places and sexually abused by six persons, officials said.

The incident came to light after the boy repeatedly expressed reluctance to attend school, prompting his family to inquire into the matter.

The alleged abuse was subsequently revealed when they questioned him.

Majeed was taken into custody on Wednesday and his arrest was subsequently recorded at Valayam police station.

The police have launched an investigation to trace the other persons allegedly involved in the case, officials said.

The medical examination of the boy was carried out, and he was counselled to provide a detailed statement, police said.