The Kerala State Women's Commission stated that it will probe the ‘exile’ of the family of a 7-year-old girl, who was raped and murdered in Kerala's Kollam district last week.
The deceased girl's family, including the mother, aunt and grandparents were allegedly forcefully evicted from their village by residents, for their 'immoral' activities.
Pointing out that the accused in the case was staying with the victim’s aunt without marrying her, the villagers alleged abused the family, stating that they were responsible for what happened to the child and warned them from returning to the village.
"The investigation is under progress. We are questioning the accused for further evidences. The allegations raised by the public will also be verified by the team," A. Abhilash, Anchal CI told Deccan Chronicle.
Last week, the child’s mother told the media that villagers had allegedly threatened them and warned of assault if they returned.
"They did not allow me to see my child’s body. They asked our family to move from there, they said many men come to our house and they are scared about their girls. Both men and women abused us. We did not do anything. They also hit me, my mother and my father. It has been just five days since my child died. We couldn’t even stay there at least for the last rites. Police tried their best to protect us. If the police was not there, they would have killed us,” the mother told Mathrubhumi News.
The girl's body was found dumped in a rubber estate on September 28 under the Kulathupuzha police station limits. The workers of the estate, who arrived at around 6 am, found the girl's body and informed the police.
The police have arrested Rajesh, a native of Chandanakkavu in Kulathupuzha in connection with the crime.
Rajesh had allegedly abducted the girl on the pretext of taking the child to her tuition class.