Malappuram: The Kerala police found itself in a spot on Sunday over its delay in taking action in a child sexual exploitation case, despite receiving a complaint along with documentary evidence.
In visuals aired by TV channels on Saturday, a businessman, Moideenkutty, was seen sexually exploiting a 10-year-old girl and at times, getting close to her mother as well, at a movie hall in Edappal in Malappuram.
The incident took place on April 18 following which the movie hall manager complained to the Childline and also submitted the visuals. The Childline approached the Changaramkulam police station on April 26.
However, the police got into the act only on Saturday following a furore after the visuals were aired. Within an hour, Moideenkutty, who has business interests in the Middle East, was arrestedon Saturday night before he could leave.
The police also faced criticism for trying to take action against the Childline officials for giving the visuals to media.
Mother booked
On Sunday, the police took into custody the victim's mother and after detailed questioning, a case under POCSO was registered. The woman used to stay on rent in a building that belonged to Moideenkutty.
The girl's statement was recorded by a magistrate and she was sent to a state-run rescue home.
Sub-inspector KG Baby has been suspended for dereliction of duty.
According to sources, Baby had approached his superior officer soon after receiving the complaint from Childline but there was no action from the higher ups.
Kerala Assembly speaker P Sreeramakrishnan, who hails from Malappuram, said the case has shamed everyone.
"The manner in which the police acted is a serious matter too, as they should have taken immediate action. I have asked for appropriate action against those who have erred," Sreeramakrishnan told media.
State Women's Commission chairperson MC Josephine said that the police failed to rise to the occasion.
"It's shocking that all this happened with the knowledge of the mother and an appropriate case should be registered against the mother too," said Josephine.
Leader of opposition Ramesh Chennithala demanded strict action against the police officers for not acting on time. "Criminal cases should be registered against all the erring police officers," he said.
Reacting to the criticism, Kerala police chief Loknath Behera said strict action will be taken against those who failed to do their job.
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