Palathayi POCSO Case Convict Padmarajan Removed from Service After Life Sentence

Thalassery: Padmarajan, a teacher and BJP leader who was convicted in the Palathayi child sexual abuse case, has been dismissed from service. The dismissal order was issued by the school management, State Education Minister V. Sivankutty confirmed. The General Education Department had earlier directed the school manager to take immediate action to remove him from service.

Padmarajan was sentenced to life imprisonment under the POCSO Act in connection with the case.

According to the prosecution, the teacher sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl inside a restroom on three occasions during January and February 2020. Based on a complaint filed by the child’s family, Panur Police registered a case on March 17, 2020. The accused was arrested on April 15 from a hideout in Vilakkottur, Poiloor.

The Thalassery POCSO Special Court, presided over by Judge M.T. Jalaja, found Padmarajan guilty under IPC Sections 376A, 376B, 376(2)(f), 354B, and Sections 5(f), 5(l), and 5(m) of the POCSO Act. The conviction was delivered on Children's Day, symbolically marking justice for the survivor.

Padmarajan had also been serving as the BJP Panchayat President in Thriprangottur at the time of the crime.