Thrissur Minor Harassment Case: Statement Recorded, Medical Exam Done; Investigation Continues

Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against a female social media influencer and motivational speaker following a complaint alleging sexual harassment of a minor boy, officials said.

The complaint was received at Thrissur West police station three days before October 8. Police said the boy’s statement has been recorded and he underwent a medical examination at Thrissur General Hospital as part of the investigation.

Officials have not disclosed details of the allegations, medical examination or other evidence collected in the case, citing the ongoing investigation. Police said the probe was at a crucial stage and declined to provide further information.

Investigators are examining the complaint and material available to them before taking further steps. Police have also not publicly confirmed whether the accused has been arrested, questioned or issued a notice in connection with the case.

Under the POCSO Act, investigations involving specified offences against children are subject to prescribed procedures for recording statements, conducting medical examinations and protecting the identity of the child. The law restricts publication of information that could reveal the identity of a child involved in a POCSO case.

Section 24 of the Act provides safeguards for recording a child’s statement, including recording it by a woman police officer, as far as practicable, at the child’s residence or another place of the child’s choice. Section 27 lays down provisions concerning the medical examination of a child.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita also provides a time limit for investigation of certain serious POCSO offences. Under Section 193(2), investigations involving offences under Sections 4, 6, 8 or 10 of the POCSO Act are required to be completed within two months from the date on which information was recorded by police.

Police said further proceedings, including questioning of the accused, would be taken up after a detailed investigation. The next steps will depend on the evidence gathered and the findings of the investigation.

Authorities have not released the child’s personal details or other information that could identify the minor, in accordance with legal safeguards governing POCSO cases.