Pathanamthitta (Kerala), July 6 (IANS) After a sexual abuse complaint lodged by a 13-year-old girl was found to be false, the police have decided to launch a detailed investigation to unravel the circumstances behind the case.

Although the Koodal Police had initially moved to close the case quickly, the investigation has now been intensified following the intervention of the District Police Chief (SP).

Police officials remain unconvinced that a teenage girl would level such grave allegations against 10 persons solely because of disappointment in a romantic relationship.

Investigators are now examining whether there was a larger conspiracy or external influence behind the complaint.

As the case falls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the girl will be subjected to another round of counselling.

Police have also been instructed to submit the final report before the court only after completing a thorough investigation.

Meanwhile, a separate inquiry has been ordered into allegations that a youth taken into custody in connection with the false complaint was brutally assaulted by the police.

The inquiry was ordered by the District Police Chief after the alleged victim submitted a complaint directly to the State Home Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP), accusing the police of custodial torture.

A special investigation team will be constituted to examine allegations of police excesses, including custodial assault and procedural lapses during the investigation.

At the same time, the parents of several minors have alleged that the police illegally detained children during the course of the investigation, prompting further scrutiny of police actions.

In protest against the alleged police misconduct and demanding action against the officers responsible, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a march to the Koodal Police Station.

Demands have surfaced that the authorities should not close the case until the allegations of custodial violence and the possibility of a conspiracy behind the false complaint are thoroughly investigated.

–IANS

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