Wayanad Murder: POCSO Case Filed Against Accused for Molesting Minor

Wayanad, Kerala – In a chilling case that has shaken the quiet village of Walkeri in Mananthavady, Wayanad, police have arrested a 37-year-old man for the brutal murder of a woman and for sexually assaulting her minor relative. The accused, Dileesh, a native of Pilakkavu Tharayil, has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The victim, Praveena (34), a resident of Edayurkunnu, was stabbed to death in front of her children in a horrific act that police say stemmed from personal revenge. Praveena, who had recently moved into a caretaker’s home in a plantation owned by a Kannur-based individual, had been living there with her two daughters. Her elder daughter, Anargha, sustained serious injuries during the attack but managed to escape and raise the alarm, eventually helping the police in tracing the accused.

The Crime

According to police, the murder occurred following a heated altercation between Praveena and the accused. Locals confirmed that Praveena and Dileesh had a close relationship, though their exact status remains uncertain. Praveena, estranged from her husband, had been living independently with her children for the past few months.

Reports indicate that Dileesh had not visited the residence for nearly a month. On the day of the incident, he returned unexpectedly and reportedly confronted Praveena over a police complaint she had earlier filed against him. Investigators believe that this argument escalated quickly and culminated in a brutal stabbing that ended Praveena’s life.

Tragically, the attack unfolded in front of Praveena’s daughters. Her elder daughter, Anargha, was also attacked and left with deep injuries to her neck and ear. Displaying remarkable courage, she managed to escape the scene and seek help by reaching her relative’s house in Ayalath, several kilometers away. Her prompt action led to the discovery of the crime and immediate police involvement.

Kidnapping and Hunt

As the crime was being discovered, it was revealed that Dileesh had fled the scene, abducting Praveena’s nine-year-old younger daughter, Abina, with him. Fearing for the child’s safety and the possibility of the accused crossing over into the neighboring state of Karnataka, Wayanad police launched an intensive manhunt, mobilizing forest guards, police teams, and local volunteers.

Despite heavy rain and strong winds on Sunday night, the search teams pressed on, combing through the nearby forest area in the dark. Additional forces were called in on Monday morning to expand the operation. The police also set up blockades at inter-state border points to prevent the suspect from fleeing.

A crucial turning point in the investigation came when the accused’s mobile phone was discovered abandoned by the roadside in a forested area. This evidence confirmed that Dileesh was still nearby, prompting police to narrow their search radius. With the assistance of local residents and forest department personnel, the accused was eventually located and taken into custody from the terrace of a shuttered, unoccupied house in the vicinity.

Confession and Charges

During interrogation, Dileesh reportedly confessed to the murder, telling investigators that he committed the crime as an act of vengeance against Praveena for filing a complaint with the police. His actions, however, went far beyond murder. Based on the statements of the rescued minor and preliminary medical examinations, the police filed additional charges under the POCSO Act for sexually molesting the child.

The full list of charges now includes Section 302 (murder), Section 307 (attempt to murder), kidnapping, and several provisions under the POCSO Act. The accused will be produced before the Kalpetta POCSO Court, where proceedings will begin. Authorities have confirmed that a detailed chargesheet will be submitted at the earliest, and steps are being taken to ensure that the case is treated with utmost seriousness and sensitivity.

Community Reaction

The incident has left the residents of Walkeri and nearby regions in a state of shock. Jayabharathi, the local block panchayat vice president, who played a key role in rushing the injured Anargha to Wayanad Government Medical College Hospital, said the community is devastated.

“Praveena was a quiet, hardworking mother trying to rebuild her life. This incident has shattered our sense of safety. The fact that her children had to witness such horror is deeply disturbing,” she said.

Locals who assisted the police in the search and capture of the accused expressed outrage and sadness. Many say they had seen Dileesh visiting the area before, but no one expected such a heinous crime.

Police and Legal Action

The Wayanad district police have assured that the case will be investigated thoroughly. Senior officers overseeing the case have emphasized the need to move swiftly while also protecting the rights and well-being of the minor survivors.

Police have arranged for psychological counseling and protection for the children, particularly the younger daughter, who is believed to have suffered physical and emotional trauma during her time with the accused. The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Women and Child Development Department have also been involved.

Authorities have also issued a statement to discourage the spread of misinformation and requested that media and public refrain from publishing identifying details or photographs of the minor victims, in accordance with legal norms under the POCSO Act.

Wider Implications

This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by women and children, especially those living in socially or economically precarious conditions. Praveena, already estranged from her husband and raising two children alone, appears to have been targeted by someone she once trusted.

Legal experts believe that this case could set a precedent if handled swiftly and effectively. “The integration of POCSO with murder and kidnapping charges makes this a rare and severe case. The judiciary and investigating officers must ensure justice is delivered not only for the deceased but for the minor victims who are now left to pick up the pieces,” said a senior lawyer in Kalpetta.

Conclusion

The Walkeri murder has cast a long shadow over Wayanad, serving as a painful reminder of how quickly domestic tensions can escalate into deadly violence. As the police continue their investigation and legal proceedings begin, the focus must now shift to ensuring justice for Praveena, and safety, rehabilitation, and support for her children.

The community’s swift response, the brave actions of young Anargha, and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement offer a small ray of hope in an otherwise tragic episode.