Walayar 'rape-suicide': Mother, stepfather of victims indicted in more cases by CBI

Kochi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named the mother and stepfather of the victims in three more cases related to the Walayar incident. Earlier, the CBI had filed additional charge-sheets in related cases, naming the mother and stepfather as accused. The court accepted the additional charge-sheets, leading to the duo’s inclusion in more cases.

The two have been implicated in a case involving accused persons Kutti Madhu and Pradeep. In this case, the court has granted permission for further investigation. A report has also been filed to include the mother and stepfather as accused in a case pending before the Palakkad Juvenile Justice Board.

CBI counsel claimed that strong evidence had been found linking the mother and stepfather to the two children's deaths, which is why they were named as accused. The counsel further stated that the evidence includes witness statements, documents and scientific proof.

The court will consider the request to issue summons to the accused on March 25. The counsel asserted that the CBI was acting in the interests of the victims, emphasising that the mother and stepfather were not victims, contrary to public perception. The counsel noted that the duo are now in the position of the accused, and it is not for the accused to decide how the prosecution should proceed.

Case details

The case involves the deaths of two sisters, aged 13 and nine, who were found hanging at their home in Attappallam in January and March, 2017, respectively. The CBI took over the investigation and filed its first charge sheet in December, 2021.

In the elder child's death, the accused are V Madhu (Valiya Madhu) of Attappallam, Shibu of Rajakkad in Idukki, M Madhu (Kutti Madhu) of Pampampallam and a 16-year-old boy. The investigation into the younger sister’s death is ongoing, with Valiya Madhu and the 16-year-old boy named as accused.