Two arrested, seven others booked in POCSO cases in Kerala

The Story in Brief

Kerala police have registered seven FIRs under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after a Class 10 girl in Pathanamthitta disclosed sexual abuse to friends, prompting the Child Welfare Committee to intervene. Malayalapuzha police filed six of the FIRs and Perunad station registered one; the incidents are said to have occurred at different times since the girl was in Class five. Two people – the owner of the rented house where the girl currently lives and another resident of the same building – have been taken into custody, and police are interrogating an additional person.

Five others have been booked, including the girl’s father who is currently abroad; authorities said steps are being taken to repatriate him. One of the seven accused has died and legal procedures relating to him will be closed after investigation. Police said the accused acted independently and did not know one another. Officials said the victim was often alone at home because her mother works long hours selling lottery tickets. Her medical examination has been completed and a magistrate recorded her statement; the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief is supervising the probe.

The Indian Opinion

The article notes a recent separate case in which a minor lodged a false complaint and that police verified genuineness before acting. Mentioning that can lead to increased public scepticism and may be used to cast doubt on all complaints; conversely, early reporting of arrests can create an impression of guilt before courts decide. An ordinary reader should recognise that registration of FIRs, medical examination and magistrate recording are investigative steps, not proof of conviction. Given limited public detail about each allegation and the ongoing nature of the probe, it is reasonable to withhold final judgments and allow the legal process to determine facts.

Original article: Two held, seven booked in POCSO cases in Kerala (www.hindustantimes.com)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.