Kozhikode POCSO case – Court acquittal

Kozhikode: A man who had spent 83 days in jail in a POCSO case was acquitted by the court after the evidence did not establish sexual assault. The report says the medical examination did not establish sexual abuse, and the child reportedly told the court that she had only signed a complaint prepared by her grandmother. 

Action to be taken 

The police should conduct a fair, prompt and evidence-based investigation, while ensuring the safety, privacy and dignity of the woman/child involved. The survivor should be provided access to appropriate legal, psychological and social support, and the accused should be dealt with strictly according to law if the evidence establishes the offence. In cases involving children, authorities should follow the POCSO Act and ensure child-friendly procedures. Police should also take preventive measures, strengthen monitoring in vulnerable areas, and create awareness so that similar offences can be reported quickly and prevented. 

📰 Source: Manorama (English)