Protests are mounting in Kerala after a court in Idukki district on Thursday acquitted a youth accused of raping and murdering a six-year-old child. With the court pointing out lapses in the investigation, the Congress alleged that the police sabotaged the case to help the accused, who was an activist of the ruling CPM. The court premises also witnessed emotional scenes, with the mother of the victim breaking down. The relatives of the victim also tried to attack the accused.
The six-year-old girl was found dead in her house at Vandiperiyar in Idukki on June 30, 2021, with a rope tangled around her neck. The police held her neighbour Arjun, 22, and also stated that he had confessed that he was sexually abusing the child over the last three years.
However, the court said that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence against the accused. The court also pointed out that there were lapses in collecting scientific evidence from the crime spot. The delay of the investigation officer in visiting the crime spot was also criticized.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan and Congress MP from Idukki Dean Kuriakose alleged that the investigation was sabotaged to help the accused, who was a CPM activist. Congress also staged a demonstration at the local police station.
Published 14 December 2023, 16:12 IST