Kerala HC orders CBI to take over probe into 23 child deaths in Palakkad

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The Kerala High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the probe into 23 child deaths in Palakkad over 13 years from the Crime Branch.

The court issued the order on a public interest litigation filed by Salil Lal Ahamed, seeking a probe into the alleged suspicious death of the children from 2010 to 2023.

The court also sought a response from the CBI on the matter and directed the agency to seek the required clarifications from the District Police Chief and the Kerala Police.

In addition, the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) had submitted an affidavit proposing measures to prevent such incidents involving children and to strengthen child protection mechanisms at the grassroots level.

The proposal was to conduct extensive legal awareness programmes for children, parents, and local communities in coordination with the District Child Protection Unit, child welfare committees, police, Education and Social Justice departments, and the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Another recommendation was to strengthen the activities of legal associates to identify vulnerable children and facilitate legal aid and welfare measures. It was also proposed to monitor the implementation of legal services and promote the use of child helplines.

The court directed the District Legal Services Authority and taluk legal services committees to ensure compliance with the proposal and instructed KeLSA to oversee compliance.