Kerala HC declines to cancel POCSO court's bail to child abuse accused

Kochi: Kerala High Court on Wednesday declined to cancel the bail granted to BJP worker Padmarajan, the accused in the Palathayi child abuse case. The accused is also the teacher of the victim.

The Crime Branch, which is investigating the case, had earlier taken a stand not confirming the girl's narrations, which had created a public controversy as it eventually helped the accused secure bail.

The petition was filed by the mother of the girl and the action committee formed to pursue the case.

The petitioners pleaded that ignoring the medical report confirming the abuse of the victim, the trial court granted bail. The charges imposed under POCSO were subsequently deleted by the Crime Branch which is believed to have led to the accused getting bail.

The Crime Branch had earlier said before the court that psychological consultants of Department of Social Justice had found that the child had a habit of narrating imaginary versions.

On his part, the accused Padmarajan denied having abused the girl and argued that the case was charged against him on political grounds, as he was a BJP worker.