Kerala: 70-year-old man booked for rape ends life

KOZHIKODE: A 70-year-old man hailing from Chorode, near Vadakara, was found hanging in his house, a week after the police registered a case against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly trying to rape a minor girl who was mentally challenged. Though the family of the victim was reportedly hesitant to proceed with the case, the Childline authorities informed the police about the same. Maniyarathumukk Nadukkandi Kunhiraman was arrested on March 10 for trying to abuse his 12-year-old neighbour.

Kunhiraman was upset at the turn of events, one of his relatives said. The man was granted bail considering his age. His relatives believe it was a fabricated complaint. Additional district and sessions court had remanded him for 14 days. As per the complaint, the girl was subjected to abuse for six months. Last Friday, in a similar case, a 45-year-old man had committed suicide at Kalpetta in Wayanad when a POCSO case was registered against him. Pallikkandi Abdul Gafoor, was found hanging in his courtyard after he was released on bail a week ago. He was jailed for 40 days for reportedly abusing a minor girl.

Psychiatrist Dr C.J. John said the advances by elderly towards minors cannot be clubbed with 'traditional crimes'. “There is a feeling that age could serve as a cover in society. However, once they are exposed, they experience a loss of face, not only for themselves, but for the entire family. This could be a reason they take the extreme step which they feel is an act of reparation," said Dr John.