The Thalassery POCSO Special Court, presided over by Judge M.T. Jalajarani, delivered its verdict on Friday in the Palathayi child sexual abuse case, convicting K. Padmarajan, a BJP leader and schoolteacher, also known as Pappan Master. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment until natural death for multiple counts of sexual assault against a 10-year-old student.
The court found Padmarajan guilty in relation to the 2020 POCSO case and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh, which could result in an additional year of imprisonment if unpaid. Alongside this, he must serve 40 years of imprisonment under two separate sections of the POCSO Act, resulting in a total fine of ₹2 lakh.
Padmarajan, a 49-year-old former president of the BJP Thrippangottur panchayat and a leader in a Sangh Parivar teachers’ organization, was accused of sexually assaulting the girl in various locations, including the school restroom. The case came to light in March 2020, after Childline authorities alerted the police about the allegations.
A formal complaint was registered on March 18, 2020, accusing Padmarajan of assaulting the child multiple times between January and February of that year. He was arrested on April 15, 2020. Initially, the Kannur police charged him under IPC Section 376 (rape) and Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act, detailing aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
Due to Padmarajan’s political influence, the case experienced significant turmoil, with multiple political interventions leading to changes in investigators. Senior police officers attempted to undermine the victim’s testimony and dilute the charges against Padmarajan. At one stage, the POCSO charges were removed after the Crime Branch took over the investigation and reclassified the case under less severe sections. This decision sparked widespread protests across Kerala.
The victim’s mother raised concerns over potential political influence on the investigation, leading to heightened scrutiny. The turning point occurred when Rathnakumar, the then Taliparamba DYSP, conducted a thorough investigation, providing compelling evidence that reinstated POCSO charges.
The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the judgment, considering it the appropriate punishment given the trauma endured by the child. They highlighted the betrayal felt by the victim, who trusted Padmarajan as her teacher. The verdict is seen as a significant step for justice, especially for marginalized communities.
Advocates involved in the case emphasized the resilience of the victim and her family amid attempts to undermine the case. They portrayed the outcome as a testament to the community’s commitment to justice. The verdict is perceived as a vital message against child abuse and a deterrent for future crimes.
The defense argued for leniency citing the accused’s family circumstances, but the court dismissed their claims, affirming the gravity of the crime. The prosecution had sought the death penalty, emphasizing the heinous nature of the acts committed by Padmarajan.
Despite past efforts to derail the proceedings, the Palathayi case stands as a crucial victory for civil society against political interference, according to legal experts. The case has underscored the importance of accountability for those in positions of trust and power.
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