Former Kerala DGP R Sreelekha Claims POCSO Case Is Politically Motivated and Legally Invalid
In a significant development from Thiruvananthapuram, former Director General of Police and current municipal councillor R Sreelekha has publicly declared that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case registered against her will not withstand legal scrutiny. The case alleges that Sreelekha revealed the identities of sexual assault survivors through her digital platforms, but she has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Sreelekha's Defense: Three Decades of Service and Legal Technicalities
R Sreelekha stated emphatically, "I served in the police force for 33 years and was genuinely pleased when the POCSO legislation came into effect because it significantly enhanced our capacity to protect women and children. Throughout my career, I have consistently worked toward ensuring their safety and security. I would never intentionally engage in any action that could cause harm to a rape survivor."
She elaborated on the specific allegation, explaining that the individual referenced in her video content was initially documented as a minor in official records. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the person was actually above 18 years of age at the relevant time. "If the survivor was not a minor, the provisions of POCSO will not apply. Therefore, the case will not stand," Sreelekha asserted, suggesting a critical legal loophole in the complaint against her.
Political Timing and Investigation Details
Sreelekha characterized the complaint as a deliberate attempt to generate controversy and confusion in the lead-up to the impending assembly elections. She implied that political motivations were driving the legal action rather than genuine concerns about survivor protection.
The Museum police registered the case on Thursday following directives from the Thiruvananthapuram judicial first class magistrate court. The complaint originated from the civil rights and social justice society court, alleging that Sreelekha disclosed the identities of survivors connected to the Kaviyoor-Kiliroor cases through her personal blog and her YouTube channel, Sasneham Sreelekha.
Law enforcement authorities are now taking concrete steps to investigate the matter thoroughly:
- Police are preparing to formally request the relevant video content from YouTube's platform.
- Investigators will meticulously examine whether Sreelekha's remarks constitute disclosure of survivor identities under the law.
- The examination will determine if her content violates the specific provisions outlined in the POCSO Act.
Police officials confirmed that their investigation will focus on assessing whether the content breaches the legal protections granted to survivors under existing legislation. The process involves careful analysis of both the technical aspects of identity disclosure and the contextual application of POCSO provisions.
Broader Implications and Context
This case emerges against a backdrop of multiple developments in Thiruvananthapuram, including railway upgrade approvals, custody assault controversies, and waterway infrastructure initiatives. However, the Sreelekha POCSO case has captured particular attention due to her prominent status as a former senior police officer and current elected official.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between freedom of expression, survivor protection laws, and political maneuvering in Kerala's legal landscape. As the investigation progresses, it will likely spark further debate about the implementation of POCSO regulations and the boundaries of public commentary on sensitive legal cases.
