Palakkad: An accused in the case surrounding the mysterious death of two minor sisters in Walayar was found dead on Wednesday.

Cheriya Madhu (33), the fourth accused in the sensational case, was found hanging inside a factory at Binanipuram in Aluva. Cheriya Madhu is also a close relative of the deceased children.

On January 7 and March 4, 2017, two sisters aged 13 and 9 were found hanging from a raft of their house. The autopsy reports suggested that both children were victims of sexual abuse.

There are five accused in the case, including a minor. There were 6 cases against four accused namely Valiya Madhu, Cheriya Madhu, Shibu and Pradeep. One of the accused Pradeep, a native of Cherthala in Alappuzha, had committed suicide during the trial. The cases against him were dropped.
While Valiya Madhu is accused of molesting both girls, Cheriya Madhu and Shibu are accused of molesting the elder sister.

Case so far

• Thirteen-year-old girl found hanging on January 13, 2017. Nine-year-old sister found dead at same spot on March 4, 2017 in Walayar.
• Palakkad POCSO court that conducted the trial acquits accused.
• On January 6, 2021, High Court allowed the appeals filed by government and mother of the children. The HC also quashed the trial court's order and ordered a re-trial. The court also allowed further investigation in the case.
• Government appoints special police team for further investigation, but CBI entrusted with task following parents' request.
• Mother approaches High Court pointing out that the sanction notice issued on January 25, 2021 contained only case number related to death of elder child and not the case related to the death of the younger child.
• Government forwards rectified notifice to court, handing over the second case to CBI.
• While considering petition, the central government informs court that state did not furnish the information to be submitted along with the permission notification as per the central guidelines dated November 22, 2018.
• Court directs that the case should be taken over by the CBI if the state hands over documents as promised
• Girl's mother states in High Court that CBI investigation is not in the right direction and should be conducted under the supervision of High Court
• Rajesh M Menon appointed as Special Public Prosecutor in the case.