Kochi, June 13: The Kerala High Court has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the investigation into multiple child deaths in Palakkad district over the past 13 years. The court expressed concern regarding irregularities in the investigation methods of at least one case.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Soman Sen and Justice VM Shyam Kumar issued this order while hearing a public interest petition demanding a thorough investigation into the unusual child deaths in the district.
After reviewing a status report submitted by the state’s crime branch, the court ordered the transfer of the case related to Crime Number 21/2010 from the Kollengode police station to the CBI.
Noting several discrepancies in the report that necessitate the intervention of a central agency, the court instructed the crime branch to promptly hand over all records related to the case, including post-mortem reports and other evidence, to the CBI.
The bench also requested a report from the CBI regarding the 23 child death cases mentioned in statements provided by the state government and confirmed by Palakkad District Police Chief Ajith Kumar.
The agency has been granted permission to seek additional information from state police and district officials before submitting its report to the court.
This case has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding numerous child deaths in the district over the past decade and whether all potential aspects were adequately investigated.
In addition to ordering a new investigation, the High Court emphasized the need to strengthen child protection mechanisms in the state.
Previously, the court involved the Kerala State Legal Services Authority, noting that certain social factors may have contributed to these deaths.
In light of proposals submitted by the Kerala State Legal Services Authority, the court directed district legal services authorities and taluk legal service committees across Kerala to implement awareness and safety programs related to child rights, counseling, school outreach, community-based monitoring, and child helplines.
A monthly compliance report has been mandated, and the state legal services authority has been instructed to ensure strict implementation of these measures. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for August 6.
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