XXXX Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for anticipatory bail.

(2.) Petitioner is the accused in Crime No.1223/2021 of Vattiyoorkavu police station, alleging commission of offences punishable under Sec. 354 of the Indian Penal Code and Sec. 8 read with 7, 9(p), 9(I) and 9(m) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (hereinafter referred to as 'the POCSO Act').

(3.) The crime was registered on the information given by a minor victim girl on 9/9/2021 . The first allegation against the petitioner relates to the period 2011 when the victim girl was studying in the 1st Standard. It is alleged that the victim girl used to remain back at the house of the petitioner who is her relative, after tuition at a nearby place while waiting for her mother to come and pick her up. It is alleged that, on several occasions from 2011 and thereafter, the petitioner had touched the private parts of the victim girl with sexual intent and thereby he had committed the offences alleged against him.