For parents who consider children their treasure and for the general public, the death penalty awarded to UP native Asafaq Alam is a matter to rejoice in. People near Aluva market celebrated the court verdict by bursting crackers and distributing sweets. It was just three months back that Alam, a UP native, lured a five-year-old girl child of a migrant couple, took her to an isolated premise near the market to end up brutally raping and killing her. The pain inflicted by the incident has still not faded away fully, but today’s court verdict is something that brings hope and a sense of security to the parents in the state.

On the 100th day after the crime, the accused has received the deserved punishment. It is rather rare in the history of court procedure in Kerala, that a case has been completed in such a short span of time. The judgment that Kerala awaited was pronounced by Ernakulam POCSO Court Judge K Soman. It is a cruel fact that nothing in the world could give back their daughter but the migrant couple who lost their daughter to inhumane brutality came forward and thanked Kerala with bowing hands. It was indeed and thankful gesture directed at the POCSO court judge rather than the people of the state.

The incident that took place in Aluva is a worrying reminder of how insecure our children are not only in public places but also at home. A five-year-old girl who was playing in the backyard was lured by an unknown and was brutally killed. The body of the child was found hidden with stones and sacks during a joint search by the neighbours, locals and the police. The clues provided by the locals, especially the Aluva market workers and the CCTV footage helped the police to quickly track the accused. Most commendably, the police were able to complete the investigation and submit the charge sheet to the court in record time.

Ernakulam Rural SP Vivek Kumar, who led the investigation, Aluva Circle Inspector Manju Das, the investigating officer, Public Prosecutor G. Mohanraj, Aluva MLA Anwar Sadat and other people's representatives deserve special appreciation.

As a rare case, the court sentenced the accused to five life terms in addition to the death sentence under Section 302. It is noteworthy that the accused Asfaq Alam, who is only twenty-eight years old, pleaded with the court for leniency, but considering the severity of the crimes committed, the court was not ready to grant any benefit. Society will in no way condone any generosity offered to such bestial minds.

For the severity of the crime committed, the people of the state expected nothing less than a noose for the culprit, and merrily enough, the verdict matched the consensus of Kerala. On another note, the Aluva case verdict was announced on Children’s Day and it reminds us all about the need for more protection for children and their right to live freely in this society. It pains to think that the Aluva victim would have cherubically flown a kite or attended school for a special children’s day function today with her friends, if not for the inhumane act from Alam.

Albeit such strong judgment, there are still rising cases of violence against women and children across the country. Being susceptible to alcohol, drugs and other banned materials makes human beings morph into beasts of the vilest nature such that they commit crimes that can even shame hardcore terrorists.

Even though there are many mechanisms and institutions working to protect the rights of children, we need to recognize the frightening reality that children are not safe in India, as projected by ruling elites. If public participation and vigilance by law enforcement is tenfold, there is a way forward. The court portended a threat to women and kids if the accused in the Aluva case is allowed to roam outside again.

Amidst this glee over the verdict, there are still some sections of people who strongly oppose capital punishment. But seriously, what lesser punishment can be given to rogues like Asfaq Alam?