Kozhikode (Keralam), Oct 29 The LDF on Thursday alleged that influence within the police establishment has enabled the prime accused in a case involving the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Maniyur near Payyoli here to evade arrest, and demanded his immediate detention.
In a statement, LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan urged the police and prosecution to end the alleged collusion and take urgent steps to ensure justice for the survivor.
The case was registered by the Payyoli police in January 2026 following a complaint from Childline.
Abdul Rafeeq, an expatriate businessman, is the first accused, while the girl’s mother is the second accused, according to the statement.
Rafeeq was a close friend of the victim’s mother, and the teenager was allegedly sexually assaulted for over two years.
Ramakrishnan said the police arrested and remanded the mother following strong public uproar, but alleged that they facilitated Rafeeq’s escape to the Gulf without arresting him.
The statement alleged that Rafeeq, who was facing a lookout notice, appeared before the Koyilandy court after nine months and secured bail as the prosecution did not raise any objection.
It further alleged that residents and an action committee launched protests against the conduct of the police and prosecution, forcing officials to initiate steps to cancel his bail.
After his bail was cancelled, the accused went into hiding and secured bail from the Kerala High Court within days, the statement said.
Ramakrishnan alleged that the police and prosecution had taken positions favourable to the accused and alleged that an unholy nexus is protecting the offender.
He also sought the immediate arrest and imprisonment of the prime accused and urgent measures to ensure justice for the girl.
Two police officers who worked at Payyoli police station and were part of the investigation team were suspended on Wednesday due to procedural lapses in the case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
IUML MLA Parakkal Abdulla recently approached the Home Minister seeking action against police officers after protests mounted over the release of Rafeeq on bail.
(PTI News)
