A special POCSO court in Thalassery Kannur has sentenced former BJP local leader and school teacher K. Padmarajan to life imprisonment till death for sexually assaulting a 10 year old student. The verdict, delivered by Judge M. T. Jalaja Rani, brings to an end a highly controversial case that has been under investigation since 2020.
The Crime
Padmarajan, who worked as a teacher at a school in Palathayi, Kannur, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a Class IV student inside the school bathroom. The assaults took place multiple times between January and February 2020. The case surfaced when the child revealed the incidents to ChildLine counsellors, after which her mother filed a police complaint.
Investigation Timeline
The initial inquiry by local police drew criticism for not including stringent POCSO sections. After the victim’s family raised concerns, the Crime Branch took over. Over time the case saw several investigation teams after allegations of procedural lapses an audio controversy involving investigators and disputes over missing charges.
Finally a comprehensive charge sheet was filed in 2021 under relevant IPC, POCSO, and Juvenile Justice Act sections. The trial began in February 2024.
Evidence and Trial
The prosecution presented 40 witnesses, including the survivor, and submitted 77 documents along with 14 audio visual records. The survivor’s testimony played a crucial role in establishing the crime. The court accepted the prosecution’s argument that Padmarajan had misused his position as a teacher and local political leader.
The Verdict
The court found Padmarajan guilty of:
- Rape and aggravated sexual assault under the POCSO Act
- Relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 376 AB
He was sentenced to:
- Life imprisonment till death under IPC
- 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under each of two POCSO sections
- ₹2 lakh fine
Failure to pay part of the fine could lead to an additional one year of imprisonment. As per POCSO sentencing provisions, Padmarajan is expected to remain in jail for the rest of his life.
Responses
Public Prosecutor K. Ajith Kumar welcomed the verdict, calling it a reaffirmation of justice for the child survivor. The court has also asked the District Legal Services Authority to determine appropriate compensation for the victim.
Meanwhile, the defence claimed that the case was fabricated due to political motives, arguing that Padmarajan was targeted because of his political leanings. The court however dismissed these claims stating that the evidence clearly established his guilt.
Significance
The conviction is seen as a landmark decision in Kerala, especially given the political position of the accused and the multiple controversies surrounding the investigation. The case highlights the importance of persistent legal scrutiny and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding child rights under the POCSO Act.
