Kerala High Court Directs Crime Branch to Investigate 28 Child Deaths in Palakkad
The Kerala High Court has taken a significant step by ordering the Crime Branch to provide a comprehensive report on the alleged suspicious deaths of 28 children in Palakkad district. This directive comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) that highlights grave concerns over these tragic incidents spanning from 2010 to 2023.
Court Issues Directive in PIL Filed by Activists
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar issued this crucial order while hearing the PIL. The petition was filed in 2025 by K Salil Lal Ahamed and four other members of the 'Walayar Neethi Samara Samithy', a group advocating for justice in these cases.
The PIL specifically requests a court-monitored investigation into the alleged deaths. It also seeks the formation of a special investigation team led by an IPS officer with specialized expertise in forensic science and homicide investigations. The court has adjourned the hearing to March 12, 2025, to await the Crime Branch's response.
Allegations of Systemic Failures and Suspicious Circumstances
The petitioners have presented disturbing allegations regarding the deaths of these 28 children, all under the age of 13. These incidents occurred in the border areas of Palakkad district over the specified period. Most of the deceased children came from impoverished and marginalized communities, raising serious questions about the handling of their cases.
According to the PIL, pathological autopsy reports and other evidence suggest that the deaths were either homicidal or highly suspicious. Despite this, the cases were initially closed as suicides, prompting concerns about the thoroughness of the initial investigations.
The petitioners further contend that investigations into these deaths were systematically obstructed for unexplained reasons. They argue that this points to a broader systemic failure within the investigative and judicial processes, potentially allowing perpetrators to evade accountability.
Previous Efforts and Ongoing Delays
This is not the first time the court has intervened in this matter. Previously, the Kerala High Court had directed the Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights to examine the alleged deaths and determine if there were any underlying causes. However, the commission requested additional time to file its report, leading to further delays in uncovering the truth.
The current directive to the Crime Branch represents a renewed effort to bring clarity and justice to these heartbreaking cases. As the investigation progresses, stakeholders and the public await the findings that could shed light on these mysterious deaths and ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
