Bharatiya Mahila Morcha workers staged a protest march and barged into the premises of the residence of the State Police chief (SPC) DGP Shiekh Darvesh Sahib IPS on December 16 morning. They alleged prosecution’s failure in the investigation of the Vandiperiyar rape and murder case involving the death of a six year old girl on June 30, 2021. The accused Arjun Sundar, reportedly a DYFI worker, was acquitted on December 14 by Kattappana Fast Track Special Court, Idukki district. Mahila Morcha workers were arrested.
The six year old girl was found strangled in an estate premises in Vandiperiyar on June 30, 2021 when her poor parents were out in their work. Post mortem report said, she was raped before killed. Police arrested Arjun and had said that he had been sexually abusing the child since she was three year old. A team of Vandiperiyar Circle Inspector of Police T.D. Sunilkumar investigated the case and filed the charge sheet on September 21, 2021. Arjun had been booked under IPC as well as POCSO. Trial began in May 2022. Forty eight witnesses were examined and about 69 documents and 16 materials were examined. There are reports that Arjun had confessed. It is reported that when a new judge took over, the prosecution suffered a setback.
Mahila Morcha workers barged into the residence of the SPC on December 16 morning. They raised slogans against prosecution’s lapse in the Vandiperiyar case in view of the wide allegation that Arjun is a local DYFI leader. SPC was at home. There are allegations that woman police force was not sufficient.
Mahila Morcha alleged that protesters had to undergo police atrocities.
The parents of the victim and local people marched to the Idukki District Police Chief’s office on December 16 demanding justice.
Idukki district leaders of CPI, the second largest constituent of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), has also alleged lapse in the prosecution.
Meanwhile, CM Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that Prosecution would proceed with appeal against the Fast Track Court verdict. He said that it is not a proud situation for the state.
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