M........... Vs. DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner's daughter Ms. M.L was studying in Thooya Irudhaya Higher Secondary School at Thirukattupalli. She was staying in the hostel run by the said school. She had allegedly consumed pesticide that was available in the hostel premises on 9/1/2022. The hostel authorities took her for treatment. The petitioner was thereafter informed on 10/1/2022 about his daughter's condition and asked to take her home. The condition of M.L did not improve and she continued to vomit. She was thereafter admitted in Thanjavur Medical College Hospital on 15/1/2022. Intimation was sent to Thirukattupalli Police Station and Thiru.K.Nedunchezhian, S.I of Police (Trainee) recorded the child's statement on 16/1/2022 at 09.30 A.M. Based on her statement, Crime No. 40 of 2022 was registered on the file of the Thirukattupalli Police Station for the offences under Ss. 305, 511 of IPC and Ss. 75 and 82(1) of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. In spite of the treatment given to the child, she passed away on 19/1/2022. It appears that before her demise, a statement given by her was allegedly video-recorded. The said video was circulated in the social media also. In the said video, the child is seen alleging that she was asked to convert to Christianity. Following the demise of the child, controversy arose that investigation was not proceeding on the right lines. It is in this background that this Criminal Original Petition came to be filed seeking transfer of investigation.

(2.) The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner made an emergent mention and that is how, it was taken as the last item Yesterday (21/1/2022). The learned counsel submitted that only a forensic autopsy will reveal the truth. He also stated that the parents of the child and the person, who took the video, are being pressurised and that the conduct of the Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District is not inspiring any confidence.

(3.) In view of the said submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, I passed the following order Yesterday (21/1/2022) :