Malappuram theatre minor molestation case: Owner who informed Child Helpline arrested

Express News Service |

Published: 04th June 2018 05:37 PM

Image used for representational purpose only.

MALAPPURAM: In a widely criticised move, the police on Monday arrested the owner of Edappal Govinda theatre E C Satheesh, 55, who informed the Childline authorities of an incident where a child was sexually abused inside the movie hall.

According to the police, he was arrested for committing lapses in informing the police about the incident. Satheesh, who was arrested by the special police team under District Crime Records Bureau Dy SP Saji

Varghese, who is heading the probe, was later released on bail.

The police have so far arrested Moideen Kutty, 60, for molesting the girl and victim’s mother in connection with the case. The duo was slapped under POCSO and various sections of the IPC. Later, section 5 (M) of POCSO act (aggravated penetrative sexual assault against the person aged under 12) was charged against Moideen Kutty following criticisms from various corners.

Besides, a case was also registered against Changaramkulam sub-inspector K G Baby on sections of POCSO Act. The charges included 166A of IPC (public servant knowingly disobeys any direction or fails to record any information). He was also suspended for the delay in taking action on the sexual abuse complaint.

The heinous crime of molestation of the minor girl was brought to light after the visual of molestation circulated on media and social media. The CCTV clip of the incident on April 18, showed the prime accused Moideen Kutty of sexually abusing the girl through the duration of the movie. The victim’s mother was sitting next to them without intervening.

Police managed to arrest Moideen Kutty on May 12 evening and victim’s mother on May 13.

