Girl Accused in Karuvatta Murder Case Gets Bail

Alappuzha: The girl accused in the case related to the murder of an elderly man and theft of gold in Karuvatta has been granted bail. The Alappuzha Juvenile Justice Board, which considered her bail plea, granted bail on Tuesday.

The prosecution did not oppose the bail plea as the investigation, recording of statements of the four accused and evidence collection in the case had been completed. Bail was granted without any special conditions.

The girl will remain under the care of the Juvenile Justice Board as her family is unwilling to take custody of her. The government will also be responsible for matters including her education. Recently, officials questioned the girl at the shelter home in the presence of the District Probation Officer, a psychologist and other experts. The questioning lasted over seven hours.

A lawyer appointed by the District Legal Services Authority appeared for the girl. As the investigation has been completed, the police are likely to submit the chargesheet soon.

Along with submitting the chargesheet before the District Juvenile Justice Board, the prosecution will seek to have the cases involving the 16- and 17-year-old boys transferred to the court for consideration of them as adults. The prosecution will seek the transfer of the cases involving three boys above the age of 16 to the district court.

The boys accused in the case had returned home with their families after being granted bail.