Kerala Police Reveal Relationship Dispute Motive in Teen's Alleged Rape-Murder Case
Malappuram District Police Chief Vishwanath R stated on Saturday that primary investigations indicate the teenage suspect committed the alleged rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl due to disagreements in their romantic relationship. The police officer emphasized that a detailed investigation into the exact motive remains ongoing.
Postmortem Conducted as Investigation Intensifies
The girl's postmortem proceedings took place on Saturday. Police have registered a First Information Report in the case despite the perpetrator being a minor, because the offence carries potential punishment exceeding seven years of imprisonment.
Vishwanath explained that under the Juvenile Justice Act, the Juvenile Justice Board will conduct an assessment to determine whether the accused should face trial as an adult or as a child. This assessment process requires time, as it follows the submission of a comprehensive inquiry report.
Suspect Apprehended and Juvenile Proceedings Initiated
The 16-year-old child-in-conflict-with-law was apprehended and produced before the juvenile court on Saturday morning. Authorities subsequently transferred him to a juvenile home located in Vellimadukunnu.
Initial investigations have not revealed involvement of any third person in the crime. However, police continue their detailed probe to confirm this finding.
Special Investigation Team Examines Evidence
A special investigation team led by DSP Perinthalmanna is actively working on the case. Investigators plan to examine CCTV footage from Karuvarakundu to Wandoor along the route the teenagers traveled.
Police are conducting detailed examination of the suspect's mobile phone. They are assessing call data records to identify individuals he contacted and those who contacted him around the time of the incident.
Case Development Timeline
Karuvarakundu police registered a missing person case on Thursday. Their investigations subsequently revealed that the girl had been murdered. Police recovered her body within Wandoor police station limits with her hands tied in front using a shawl.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish all facts surrounding this tragic incident.
