THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In Kerala, which is reputed to be God's own country, violence against children are increasing day by day. Although there is a strong POCSO Act that carries the death penalty, there were 33,088 cases of this kind in 8 years. 225 children were killed, 10,168 children were sexually assaulted and 1667 children were kidnapped. During this period there were 74 child marriages. There is no accurate count of nomads and non-states victims who were subjected to violence. There are many cases that are settled without telling the police and without a complaint.

According to the police, there are many reasons behind violence against children such as intoxication, family problems and quotation. Child Rights Commission, Police and Child Welfare Committee are not able prevent the atrocities. Most of the POCSO cases are in Thiruvananthapuram. 14.39 crore as compensation was given to 620 POCSO victims. Compensation is paid in cases where the accused is not found and in acid attacks. Most of the accused are neighbours, relatives, parents' friends and teachers. Out of 4518 POCSO cases in 2022, there are 5002 accused including 115 women. The law requires trial and punishment within one year, but the case will drag on. Out of 4518 cases in 2022, judgment was given in only 68 cases. Of these, the accused were convicted in eight counts. Around 13,000 cases are pending.

ADGP MR Ajith Kumar had recently admitted to the Human Rights Commission that there is a delay in the completion of investigation in POCSO cases and failure to collect evidence against the accused. During investigation and trial, there is a failure in supervision on the part of superiors. During the trial, victims and the witnesses change their statements in favor of the accused. The ADGP had also said that the case would be settled by taking money and favors from the accused.

Special unit still on paper

It was announced a year and a half ago that a special unit under the leadership of DySPs would be formed for POCSO investigation, but nothing happened.
Most cases are closed without evidence. Weak sections are used to save the accused.
Even though there is no authority for mediation talks, the police call the victim and the accused to the station and conduct it anyway
The government has announced that there will be an amendment to the law, including confiscation of the properties of the accused, but it has not been implemented.

Accused are punished only in 18.32% cases
Out of 1255 cases during 2013-18, accused in only 230 cases were punished.

POCSO cases on the rise

2016--------2879

2017--------3562

2018--------4253

2019--------4754

2020--------3941

2021--------4536

2022--------5315

2023--------3798 (Until September)