Thalassery (Kannur, Kerala): A Thalassery Fast Track Special Court on Friday found K. Padmarajan, 52, a teacher and former BJP activist, guilty of sexually abusing a Class 4 student in Palathayi under Panoor Grama Panchayat. Sentencing is scheduled for 3 pm today, Saturday.

Padmarajan, former president of Triprangottoor Panchayat, was convicted under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Charges include repeatedly abusing a child below 12 years and committing rape.

When asked if he wished to speak in court, Padmarajan said:

“I pray that such an innocent person is not punished.”

He added that if his wife were to commit suicide, the SDPI would be responsible. The defence lawyer requested the statement be recorded, but the judge clarified it was made during arguments and did not require formal recording.

The court inquired about Padmarajan’s health and family. He said he had no health issues and mentioned having elderly parents and family support. The prosecution requested the maximum punishment.

Padmarajan’s bail was cancelled, and he was moved to Thalassery Sub Jail. The prosecution was represented by a Special Prosecutor.

Details of the offence and probe

The offences took place between January and February 2020. The teacher allegedly took the 10-year-old student to the school toilet and abused her three times. The matter was first reported to Childline, and the child’s statement was recorded. Panoor Police registered the case on March 17, 2020, and Padmarajan was arrested on April 15.

The Crime Branch had been heading the probe. Later, a controversy arose when Crime Branch IG S. Sreejith was alleged to have spoken favourably about the accused during a phone call. Following the child’s mother approaching the Kerala High Court, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. The SIT, led by Coastal Range ADGP and Assistant Commissioner, filed the final chargesheet in May 2021.

Court proceedings and trial details

Fast Track Special Court Judge Jalarajani M T on Friday convicted Padmarajan under IPC sections 376AB (rape of a girl under 12), 376(2)(f)(ii) (rape by a person in a position of trust or authority), 354A (sexual harassment), and POCSO sections 5(f), 5(l), and 5(m) for penetrative sexual assault on a child.

The trial, which began in February last year, examined 42 witnesses and 91 documents. Following the verdict, Padmarajan was shifted to jail.