Charummoodu (Alappuzha, Kerala): Police on Friday arrested a man and his second wife for allegedly assaulting his Class 4 daughter, concluding a two-day search operation led by Chengannur DYSP MK Binukumar.

The accused, Ansar, was apprehended in Pathanamthitta district, while his wife, Shefeena, was detained from Kollam district. Police stated that Ansar is also facing other criminal cases. The couple went into hiding after the incident came to light on Wednesday, switching off their mobile phones and locking their house. Police alleged that Ansar later threatened his father, Nisarudeen, with a weapon.

Child opts for grandmother’s custody

When the Child Welfare Committee sought her opinion, the girl said, “Do not give my father a heavy punishment… I just want to go with my grandmother. She is the one who looked after me.”

Authorities had initially planned to place her in a government care home in Chertala, but her request prompted the committee to transfer custody to her grandmother, Alappuzha Child Welfare Committee Chairperson told Mathrubhumi. The child is currently staying with her grandmother at a relative’s house in Sooranad.

Official action planned

Education Minister V Sivankutty will visit the girl on Saturday. A Commission member said a report has been sought from the Alappuzha Child Protection Officer.