Kerala Opposition leader seeks justice for rape victims' mother

Palakkad: Kerala's Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Ramesh Chennithala on Monday demanded justice for a grieving mother whose two daughters were sexually abused and were later found hanging at their home at Walayar in Palakkad district.

The mother has now been on a fast for two days.

In January 2017, an 11-year-old girl's body was found by her nine-year-old sister at their house in Walayar. In March 2017, the younger sister was also found dead at their home in similar circumstances.

Chennithala on Monday joined the protest, saying there is no difference between Hathras (Uttar Pradesh) and Walayar (Kerala).

On October 31, 2019 the girls' mother was promised justice by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan but nothing happened; instead the police officer probing the case was given a promotion.

"Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cheated the hapless mother. After promising justice to her, Vijayan is helping the police officials concerned and others. The arrogance of power is seen as the tears of the mother have failed to get her justice," said Chennithala.

Though the police arrested five persons for alleged abetment to suicide and rape, the accused were let off in 2019 by a court in Palakkad district for want of evidence as the prosecution failed to prove their complicity.

"What is more astonishing is the role played by the police officials who told the stepfather of the girls to own up to the crime. Even sadder was the statement of state Minister of Culture A. K. Balan who was here the other day, but failed to come and meet the mother. He might have a feeling of guilt and hence did not come," added Chennithala.

Speaking at the protest venue, social activist C. R. Neelakandan said that they will stand with the mother till justice is delivered.

"The local sub-inspector who probed the case has now got a promotion and the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was elevated to the rank of Superintendent Of Police (SP) and is now recommended for conferment of IPS. This is unacceptable and we demand a Court monitored probe," said Neelakandan.

However, Balan, who hails from the district, said he does not know why the protest is on as the government has promised her all help.

"The issue is before the court. We have a feeling that she is being misled by some people and if that is the case, she must end the fast," said Balan.

In 2019, the Kerala Assembly witnessed a series of protests when the issue was raised by the Congress legislators from Palakkad.