the Kerala High Court has directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the mysterious death of a minor girl in Thiruvananthapuram in March last year. The decision comes after eight months of inconclusive police investigations failing to identify the perpetrator.
Justice Bechu Kurian Joseph’s bench issued the order for a CBI investigation following a plea from the deceased girl’s mother, who sought justice for her daughter’s tragic demise.
The 13-year-old girl was discovered unconscious in the bathroom of her residence in the police quarters on March 29, 2023. Despite being swiftly transported to the Medical College for urgent medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries on April 1, 2023.
According to the post-mortem report, the cause of death was attributed to intracranial haemorrhage. Shockingly, further examination revealed evidence of sustained sexual abuse, including vaginal and anal penetrations.
Initially handled by the Museum Police under Section 174/CrPC, a subsequent investigation was initiated on April 12, 2023, based on the findings of the post-mortem report. The case was registered under Sections 376 DA, 376E, and 377 of the IPC, along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
Following a brief period, the investigation was transferred to the District Crime Branch. However, the petitioner, the mother of the deceased, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation, alleging negligence on the part of the authorities.
In her writ petition before the Kerala High Court, the mother raised concerns regarding the thoroughness of the probe, particularly highlighting lapses in interrogating her daughter’s friends. She further accused higher officials of attempting to suppress the case due to its sensitive nature, given the minor’s association with the police quarters.
Considering the gravity of the allegations and the need for impartial investigation, the Kerala High Court deemed it necessary to order a CBI inquiry, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
