Bangkok police apprehend man for assaulting niece over years
A major arrest has shaken a community in Thailand as police captured a man accused of sexually assaulting a young girl for over four years. The 40 year old suspect was apprehended after a meticulous operation by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, following a mother’s report that her 11 year old daughter had been repeatedly abused by her uncle.
Today, the police made a significant breakthrough in a harrowing case of child abuse that has been under investigation since late 2019. Ittiporn, or A Hua Sala, has been charged with multiple offences, including sexual assault and kidnapping for indecent acts against a minor.
The disturbing series of events came to light when the victim, now 11 years old, informed her mother of the assaults. Ittiporn, the child’s uncle by marriage, had allegedly enticed the girl with cartoons and then locked her in a room to carry out the attacks. The mother’s report initiated a thorough investigation, culminating in the issuance of an arrest warrant for Ittiporn on January 8.
Despite the issuance of the warrant, Ittiporn managed to evade capture, prompting an extensive manhunt. His whereabouts remained unknown until police received a tip-off that he was involved in a relationship in the On Nut area. After a week of surveillance, officers spotted Ittiporn and pursued him to a repair shop on Soi On Nut 39. When he fled into a nearby thicket, the police closed in, and after over an hour, they were able to arrest him.
During interrogation, Ittiporn denied the allegations, claiming that if the child had reported the abuse when she was seven, he would have admitted to it then. He insisted that several people were living in the house where the alleged abuse occurred and that if the girl had been attacked, she would have screamed, leaving no evidence against him, reported KhaoSod.
However, the police were not swayed by Ittiporn’s denial. Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Thiradech Thamsudtee, expressed his belief in the child’s testimony over that of the accused, citing additional evidence that led to the court’s approval of the arrest warrant.
Predatory behaviour
Thiradech also hinted at the possibility that other girls might have fallen victim to Ittiporn’s predatory behaviour. The investigation is being expanded to uncover any further abuses.
The young girl at the centre of this case is now safely under the care of her guardians. The police have issued a warning to parents and guardians to be vigilant about who they allow to get close to their children and to regularly check for any signs of abuse, as children may not understand or be able to articulate what is happening to them.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau urged the public to report any suspicious activities relating to similar cases. They maintain a 24-hour hotline and assure prompt action in response to any concerns raised by citizens, in line with the policies of Police General Torsak Sukvimol, the Chief of Police, and Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang, the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau.
