The alleged sexual attack took place last November. But local police have to date pressed charges against just one suspect. The victim’s family has complained that local police seemed bent on pursuing only the less serious charge of taking a minor from parents and ignored their complaints of being intimidated by people close to the suspect – whose father was a retired police officer.

“We have decided to take over the case because suspects have allegedly colluded to exploit the minor,” the division’s chief Pol Maj General Kornchai Klaikleunng said on Tuesday.

According to her family, the girl spent three weeks in hospital following the alleged attack. She suffered both physical and emotional trauma and has been put in the care of a state-run shelter in Suphan Buri.

A relative of the suspect also allegedly tried to force the victim to provide sexual services to an old man.

Lawyer Songkran Atchariyasap, who chairs a network fighting matters detrimental to the nation, religions and monarchy, brought the victim’s family to a meeting with Deputy National Police Commissioner Lt General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul on Tuesday to raise their concerns.

“There is convincing evidence against the suspect,” Songkran said.

The family will also have a meeting with a senior official at the Justice Ministry on Thursday.