Kerala court sentences BJP leader to life imprisonment in POCSO case

The court found Padmarajan guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

South First Desk

Published Nov 15, 2025 | 7:28 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 15, 2025 | 7:28 PM

Sexual assault of minor (Creative Commons)

Synopsis: Padmarajan, a school teacher, sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl, reportedly taking her to the school toilet on three separate occasions. The case had created a political uproar in Kerala.

A POCSO Special Court in Thalassery has sentenced BJP leader and former Tripprangotoor Panchayat President K Padmarajan, 52, to life imprisonment until death for the sexual assault of a fourth-grade student in Palathai, Kannur.

The verdict, delivered by Judge MT Jalajarani, marks the conclusion of a highly controversial case that had sparked significant political outcry in the state.

The court found Padmarajan guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including:

IPC sections 376 A & B (Punishment for rape leading to death or remaining in a persistent vegetative state and gang rape).
IPC Section 376 (2)(f) (Rape by a person in a position of trust or authority).
POCSO Act sections 5 (F, L, M) (Aggravated sexual assault, especially for repeated offences on a child below 12 in an educational institution).

The quantum of sentence included:

Imprisonment till death under IPC sections 376 A & B.
An additional sentence of 40 years in prison under various sections of the POCSO Act, with the court ordering him to first undergo 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
A total fine of ₹2 lakh.

The court also directed to provide appropriate compensation to the survivor.

Also Read: CWC orders action after minor girl gives birth in Adoor orphanage

Crime and controversy

The case stems from incidents in January and February 2020, where Padmarajan, a school teacher, sexually assaulted the 10-year-old girl, reportedly taking her to the school toilet on three separate occasions.

The girl’s mother filed a complaint with the Panoor police on 17 March 2020, after the child confided in her maternal aunt. The accused was arrested on 15 April.

The investigation faced several controversies. The initial probes by the local police and the Crime Branch drew heavy criticism. The Crime Branch’s first chargesheet was controversially filed without the crucial POCSO sections.

The brutal act by the local BJP leader turned into a political controversy, with the UDF, SDPI, and a section of the media accusing the ruling establishment of attempting to shield the accused.

Subsequently, the girl’s mother approached the High Court, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Coastal ADGP EJ Jayarajan and DSP TK Ratnakumar, was formed.

This special team conducted a thorough probe, relying on scientific evidence, and submitted the final charge sheet that included the POCSO sections, leading to the conviction.