Kerala education officer suspended after arrest in child molestation case

Bekal Sub-District Education Officer V.K. Sainudheen has been suspended following his arrest in a case involving the alleged molestation of a 16-year-old boy. The Kerala General Education department cited violation of the Kerala Civil Service rules for the move.

The case registered at the Chandera police station involves a total of 14 accused, including an AEO, an RPF officer, and others from Kannur, Kasargod, and Kozhikode districts.

Seven individuals, including Sainudheen, 52, RPF officer Chitraraj, 48, Sukesh, 30, of Vellachal, Rahees, 40, of Vadakkakovval, Abdul Rahman Haji, 55, of Karola, Afzal, 23, of Chandera and Ramzan, 40, of Padannakkad, have been arrested and remanded by the court. Another accused, Sirajuddin from Trikripur, remains absconding and has sought anticipatory bail.

According to the complaint, the minor was lured through a dating app and subjected to repeated sexual abuse across various locations over two years, with monetary transactions involved.

The investigation began after the mother noticed suspicious activity at their home and contacted Childline.

A special police investigation team arrested the accused. Two cases have also been registered in Nileswaram and Cheemeni, with links traced to Kozhikode. The case has also been transferred to Kozhikode District Police for further investigation.

Multiple Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases have been registered.