“I Am a Father of Two Daughters”: POCSO Accused Assaulted by Fellow Inmate at Alappuzha Jail

Alappuzha: An 85-year-old man accused in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was assaulted by a fellow inmate at the Alappuzha District Jail, police and prison authorities said.

The incident took place during the night between December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026, shortly after both inmates were lodged in the jail. The elderly accused, identified as Thankappan, was attacked by a 39-year-old inmate who is facing multiple theft-related cases.

According to prison officials, the assailant initially did not know the reason for Thankappan’s imprisonment. After learning that he was a POCSO case accused, the inmate allegedly assaulted him, reportedly saying that he was a father of two daughters. During the attack, Thankappan suffered injuries to his face, including damage to his teeth.

The injured man was shifted to hospital and provided medical treatment. Prison authorities said the incident was confirmed through CCTV footage inside the jail premises, following which a complaint was filed with the police.

The Alappuzha South Police have registered a case against the attacking inmate under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Jail officials said further action will be taken as per prison rules after completing internal procedures.