BJP Leader K. Padmarajan Found Guilty in Palathayi Child Sexual Abuse Case; Sentence to Be Pronounced Tomorrow

Kannur: BJP leader and teacher K. Padmarajan, also known as Pappan Master, has been found guilty in the Palathayi child sexual abuse case. The Thalassery POCSO Special Court, presided over by Judge M.T. Jalajarani, will pronounce the sentence tomorrow. The verdict coincides with Children’s Day, bringing closure to a case that had triggered widespread political and public outrage.

Padmarajan, who was serving as the President of Thrippangottur Panchayat and teaching at a school in Kadavathoor, was accused of sexually assaulting a Class 4 student three times between January and February 2020, taking her to the school bathroom on each occasion.

The trial began on February 23, 2024, and continued until August 13, 2025. The court recorded the victim’s testimony over five days. The prosecution examined 40 witnesses, including the child’s friend and four teachers, and submitted 77 documents and 14 material records as evidence. Medical records detailing injuries and treatment for bleeding were also presented. The defense examined three witnesses during the proceedings.

The case first came to light when Childline received a complaint regarding the abuse. Following a complaint filed by the girl’s mother, Panoor Police registered the case on March 17, 2020. The accused was arrested on April 15, 2020.

Following a request from the child's mother, the investigation was handed over to the Crime Branch by the State Police Chief on April 24, 2020. Detective Inspector Madhusoodanan Nair filed an interim charge sheet under Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

After the accused was granted bail, the victim’s mother approached the High Court, alleging lapses in the investigation. Consequently, a new investigation team led by Narcotics Cell ASP Reshma Ramesh was appointed. When the prosecution informed the High Court that the probe was being misdirected, a special police team led by Coastal ADGP E.J. Jayarajan and DYSP Ratnakumar took over the investigation.

The final charge sheet, invoking POCSO Act provisions, was filed in May 2021. P.M. Bhasuri represented the prosecution in court.