Kerala Psychologist Santosh Sukumaran Arrested for Sexual Assault of Minor

May 26, 2026

Psychologist Santosh Sukumaran, of Kollam, Kerala, India, has been arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor patient during counseling sessions. Police said the case was registered under India’s Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after allegations surfaced involving the treatment of the child at the clinic.

The arrest has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of children and vulnerable patients in mental health settings, where families are often expected to place deep trust in providers. Authorities are continuing their investigation, while officials have withheld identifying details to protect the victim’s privacy.

Advocates say the case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards, oversight, and accountability in behavioral health care, especially when professionals are working with minors. Families and patients are calling for systems that better prevent abuse and ensure allegations are taken seriously and investigated promptly.

(Source: Times of India, May 25, 2026)