CBI Finds No Foul Play in 22 Minor Deaths in Palakkad, Cites Suicide and Accidents

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded its verification into the deaths of 22 minors in Palakkad district between 2010 and 2023, finding no evidence of foul play. The agency, which conducted the probe at the direction of the Kerala High Court, stated that there were no suspicious circumstances or incidents preceding the deaths.

According to the CBI's report, the deaths were primarily attributed to accidental causes and suicides. Of the 22 cases, 10 children died due to accidents, while 12 died by suicide. The agency found no evidence of sexual assault or physical abuse in any of the cases.

The CBI's inquiry revealed that poverty, familial issues, anxiety, and mental distress were major factors behind the suicides. In some instances, scolding by parents, denial of mobile phones, and other personal issues were cited as triggers. The deceased included 11 boys and 11 girls, all aged between 9 and 13 years.

The probe was initiated following a public interest petition filed by Salil Lal Ahamed, seeking a CBI investigation into the deaths. The Kerala High Court had asked the agency to respond on the matter. The CBI informed the court that it had conducted field verification, interacted with complainants, family members, neighbours, civic representatives, investigating officers, and doctors who performed post-mortem examinations.

The agency also noted that final reports were submitted before the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrate Courts, treating the cases as “further action dropped.” The courts accepted these reports, and no complaints, objections, or protest petitions were filed by relatives or any other aggrieved persons.

The development comes amid broader concerns about child safety in the region. The CBI had earlier reported that 305 cases were booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Palakkad during the decade. In a related case involving the sexual assault and death of twin sisters in Walayar, the CBI had stated that the “most probable manner of death could be suicide” while ruling out homicide to a reasonable medical certainty.

The Kerala police had also previously concluded that no foul play was involved in these 22 deaths. The CBI's findings align with that assessment.

The High Court is expected to take up the CBI's report in the ongoing proceedings. The agency's verification brings closure to the families and the public, though the underlying issues of child mental health and safety remain a concern for authorities.

If you or someone you know is in distress or having suicidal tendencies, help is available. You can call DISHA-1056, 0471-2552056, State’s health helpline 104, Maithri-0484-2540530, or Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre-0495-2760000.