A 30-year-old man from Ajax, Ontario, has been charged with multiple offences, including sexual assault and forcible confinement, following allegations involving a 14-year-old girl. The Durham Regional Police Service launched an investigation after receiving a referral from the Hamilton Police Service concerning the welfare of the minor. The accused, Gowryshankar Kathirkamanathan, was arrested on May 2, 2025, and now faces 15 charges related to the alleged repeated assaults and confinement of the victim over several days. The incident has raised concerns about child safety and ongoing sexual exploitation in the region.
The investigation into the case began when the Hamilton Police Service received information regarding the welfare of a 14-year-old girl believed to be at risk. They promptly referred the matter to the Durham Regional Police Service, who took the lead in the inquiry. According to police reports, Gowryshankar Kathirkamanathan was found to have repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl and forcibly confined her over a period of several days. These serious allegations have resulted in him being charged with a total of 15 offences, which include sexual assault and forcible confinement among others.
Durham Regional Police conducted a thorough investigation that involved collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with specialized units focused on protecting vulnerable youth. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of Kathirkamanathan on May 2, 2025. Following his arrest, he was formally charged and is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. The police have stated that the charges reflect the severity and repeated nature of the alleged offences.
Community Response and Child Safety Concerns
The case has drawn significant attention from community leaders and child protection advocates who stress the importance of vigilance and support systems for young people at risk of exploitation. Local organizations have called for increased resources to combat sexual exploitation and to provide safe spaces for vulnerable children. Authorities also emphasized the need for continued public awareness and education to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
At this stage, the accused faces 15 charges and is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing. The Durham Regional Police continue to investigate the case and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to aid in the pursuit of justice. Legal representatives are expected to address the charges during upcoming court sessions, and the community awaits further updates as the judicial process unfolds.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes against minors and highlights the critical nature of inter-agency cooperation and community involvement in protecting child welfare.
In conclusion, the arrest and charging of Gowryshankar Kathirkamanathan marks a significant development in addressing serious allegations of sexual assault and forcible confinement involving a minor in Ajax, Ontario. The collaborative efforts between the Hamilton Police Service and Durham Regional Police Service exemplify the importance of coordinated responses to protect vulnerable youth. As the legal process proceeds, ongoing community vigilance, increased resources for child protection, and public awareness remain essential in combating sexual exploitation and ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the region.