'I only want her to live happily; daughter's false POCSO complaint affected son's future as well'

IDUKKI: “I raised her like a precious child. I have no complaints. I only want to see her live a good life.” The 45-year-old father’s voice broke as he spoke about his daughter. He said no father should ever have to go through such an ordeal.

The man, a native of Marykulam in Kattappana, was acquitted by a court on July 24 in a POCSO case filed against him by his daughter. According to the court, the complaint was linked to the father’s opposition to her relationship. During the case, he had to endure severe mental trauma and time in jail. His wife played a key role in fighting to prove his innocence.

“She loved her father the most, and he loved her just as much. Yet this happened,” the girl’s mother said. “He scolded her only because he wanted to make sure she was safe. We never thought it would lead to such a big issue. She had been studying in hostels since childhood and came home only for a few days during holidays. Everyone will be at home during those times. How could we believe such an allegation?” she asked.

The father's arrest and imprisonment also deeply affected their younger son. The boy, who had been doing well in his studies, stopped going to school. Although he scored good marks in his Class 10 examination, he did not join Class 11, reportedly because of the ridicule and comments he faced from others. While his mother went out for daily-wage work, the boy largely remained at home.

According to the family, the girl became upset after her father questioned her relationship with her boyfriend and her frequent phone calls. She subsequently filed a complaint alleging that she had been sexually abused by her father. The complaint was reportedly submitted to Childline through the boyfriend's mother, an anganwadi worker. Childline then informed the Upputhara police, following which the father was arrested and remanded in custody. The girl maintained her allegations against her father in court. His bail plea was also rejected, and he remained in judicial custody.

The Kattappana Fast Track Special Court, presided over by Judge G.R. Bilkul, eventually acquitted him after accepting the defence argument that the complaint was filed following his opposition to his daughter's relationship and after he scolded her over it. While the father was in jail, the girl's boyfriend was allegedly caught by local residents when he came to her house at night and was later handed over to the police. After turning 18, the girl left with her boyfriend.