Lookout notice issued against actor Koottickal Jayachandran in POCSO case

Kozhikode: A lookout notice has been issued against actor and comedian Koottickal Jayachandran in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case. The actor's anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the High Court last week, after the Kozhikode Sessions Court had earlier dismissed his bail application. Following this, the actor approached the High Court again with a fresh anticipatory bail petition.

The police filed a case against Jayachandran based on a complaint that he sexually assaulted a four-year-old girl. The complaint, filed by the child's mother, led to the case being registered by the Kasaba police. The allegation is that Jayachandran exploited family conflicts to sexually abuse the child.

In the case, Jayachandran’s delayed prosecution was recently pointed out by a relative of the child, who filed a complaint with the State Police Chief and the Commissioner. The complaint also raised concerns that the accused might flee the country and that the child and her relatives are under threat, with the relative stating that the child is being kept out of school fearing the same. The complaint urged the authorities to arrest the accused, conduct a thorough investigation and file charges promptly.