Two police officers suspended over alleged lapses in Payyoli POCSO case probe in Keralam
Disciplinary action against the officers following backlash over failure to arrest accused prior to his bail
Two police officers have been suspended pending an inquiry following allegations of procedural failures in handling a POCSO case at Payyoli near Vadakara in Kozhikode district. The officers, Circle Inspector P. Babumon and Senior Civil Police Officer Abdul Hameed, were placed under suspension after public outcry over the failure to arrest the prime accused, Abdul Rafeeq, before he secured anticipatory bail.
Rafeeq, a friend of the victim's mother, allegedly sexually abused a 13-year-old girl over a two-year period, threatening and beating her. The abuse was reported during school counselling sessions about 10 months ago. Despite arresting Rafeeq's mother, the accused fled abroad before his apprehension. Local residents and political figures demanded action, leading to the officers' suspension following the accused's return and securing bail.
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