The collapsed minor rape-murder trial in Idukki has exposed the State police to intense public criticism that they lacked the legal firmness of purpose to override political pressure and obtain a conviction in the high-profile case that shocked society.
Television testimonials of the bereaved family members triggered public indignation and blotted out the prosecution’s averment that the court’s “failure” to appreciate evidence placed on record and its “exaggerated view of minor inconsistencies” in the police chargesheet had resulted in the sensational acquittal.
Worryingly for the government, social and mainstream media ran lengthy news segments and commentariats listing the alleged failure of the prosecution to harness scientific and circumstantial evidence to convict the suspect. It also did not augur well for the ruling front that the suspect was allegedly former left activist.
