Kochi Child Death Case Takes Dark Turn

A tragic case in Kochi has taken a disturbing turn after investigators confirmed that a six-year-old girl, found dead with her father in January, had been subjected to sexual abuse before her death.

Police said the findings emerged from the post-mortem report, which indicated that the child had endured abuse over the past year. Based on the autopsy results, authorities have invoked provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The case had initially been registered as an unnatural death.

The incident came to light on January 16, when the girl and her father were found dead at their rented residence under the jurisdiction of the Elamakkara police station. Police suspect the child was poisoned before the father died by suicide.

According to investigators, the child’s mother stated she was unaware of any abuse. She also mentioned ongoing financial strain in the family, as her husband had recently lost his job while she worked at a shopping mall in the city.

On the evening before the incident, the father reportedly sent his wife a message indicating he was leaving with their daughter. When she returned home and found the house locked, she initially believed they had stepped out. Repeated calls went unanswered. The following morning, with relatives’ help, the door was forced open. The man was found hanging from the ceiling, and the child was lying on the bed. Both were declared dead at a hospital.

Police said they will record statements from relatives and acquaintances, and also question teachers at the child’s school. CCTV footage from the area is being examined to determine whether anyone else visited the house around the time of the deaths.

The investigation is ongoing.