FEDERIC THOMAS Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

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

(2.) The petitioner is the accused in Crime No.2452 of 2023 of Ernakulam Town North Police Station, Ernakulam, alleging commission of offences under Ss. 354(1)(i), 354, 509, 376(2)(f), 376(3), 376, 354D(2), 354 D(1)(i), 354A(3), 354A(2), 354A(1)(iv) and 354A(1)(ii) of the Indian Penal Code and Ss. 11(iv), 11(ii), 11(i), 12, 7, 8, 5(f), 5(p), 6, 9(p), 9(l), 9(f), 10, 3(b) and 4(2) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

(3.) The allegation against the petitioner is that, the petitioner, who was a friend of the victim's father, had taken the victim to his house in Kaloor in the month of March 2023 and while there he had touched on her stomach and hugged and kissed on her cheeks. It is further alleged that, on several occasions, the petitioner had hugged and kissed the victim. It is further alleged that, on one day, he had taken the victim to his house and the petitioner had touched her inappropriately on her private parts and asked her some personal questions and again she was hugged and kissed by the petitioner. It is also alleged that, on the last occasion, the victim was disrobed by the petitioner. It is further alleged that one Joyal had seen the victim riding on the motorcycle with the petitioner and he informed the family of the victim. Thereafter, the complaint was filed against the petitioner.