Kozhikode (Kerala) | Police in Kerala have arrested a 58-year-old caretaker for allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy at a government-run shelter home here, officials said.

The suspect, identified by police as Ayoob P, surrendered before a local court after the police intensified a manhunt to locate him. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.

The alleged abuse came to light after the boy detailed his ordeal during a welfare session at the facility.

"The accused abused his position of trust to assault the child multiple times inside the institution," police said.

"We registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as soon as the matter was reported to us," the officer added.

Police said they have expanded the scope of their investigation to check for further victims at the shelter.