AKHIL JOSE Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The application is filed under Sec. 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, by the sole accused in Crime No.852/2024 of the Perumbavoor Police Station, Ernakulam, which is registered against him for allegedly committing the offences punishable under Ss. 354 and 354(A)(1)(i) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Sec. 8 read with Sec. 7 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The petitioner was arrested on 5/6/2024.

(2.) The essence of the prosecution case is that: on 5/6/2024, at around 21.30 hours, while the first informant (victim) and her mother were travelling in KSRTC bus from Aluva to Adimaly, the accused, who was a co-passenger, groped the breasts of the victim and outraged her modesty. Thus, the accused has committed the above offences.

(3.) Heard; Sri. T.Madhu, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Smt. Seetha S., the learned Senior Public Prosecutor.