Mumbai/Kannur: A man accused in a POCSO case, who escaped from police custody by jumping from the Pune–Kannur Express, has finally been apprehended in Mahabaleshwar, one of Maharashtra’s popular tourist destinations. The accused, who is facing charges based on a complaint filed by his own daughter, was arrested at around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday following a dramatic operation by a team from the Kerala Police. Investigators managed to recapture him within 48 hours of his escape, providing significant relief to the investigation team. After his arrest, he was immediately taken towards Mangaluru as part of the process of bringing him back to Kerala.

According to the police, after escaping from the moving train, the accused had been hiding at the residence of a friend in Mahabaleshwar. Investigators, assisted by the Cyber Cell, tracked him by monitoring phone calls made to and from his relatives. Careful surveillance of these communications ultimately led the police to the location where he was in hiding.

During the search operation, well-known Maharashtra-based Malayali social and cultural activist M. V. Parameswaran actively assisted the police and provided necessary support. Members of the Kairali Charitable Foundation, including Ramesh Sivaraman, Satheesan, Oscar Jose, Jeevan Nair, and Sunil, also extended their assistance. The accused was finally taken into custody following a joint operation conducted by the Kerala Police and the Maharashtra Police.

Serious Charges Filed

The accused is facing several grave charges based on a complaint lodged by his own minor daughter. The allegations primarily involve aggravated sexual assault and rape of a minor, offences punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code/other applicable criminal laws.

The charges reportedly include offences relating to:

• Aggravated sexual assault and rape of a minor.
• Outraging the modesty of a woman.
• Sexual harassment.
• Wrongful confinement of a child.
• Criminal intimidation.
• Subjecting a child to severe cruelty.

If convicted, these offences carry severe penalties under Indian law, including long-term imprisonment and, for some offences, the possibility of life imprisonment, depending on the specific charges proved in court.