Kerala High Court protects missing minor amid inter‑state custody dispute

The Kerala High Court, sitting as Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, ordered the state government and police to prevent a 12‑year‑old girl, who became known after the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, from being handed over to Madhya Pradesh authorities without a court order. The court stressed the commission’s limited powers and affirmed the girl's apprehension of threat to life as bonafide, directing that she remain under protection within Kochi until her plea is resolved.

Separately, Kerala police arrested a 25‑year‑old Kollam resident, Abhijith, charging him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after rescuing the same Aluva minor from Pune, Maharashtra. The cyber‑cell tracked the child and suspect across Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai before intercepting them on the Nizamuddin Express at Pune railway station. The girl is being returned to Kerala and will receive counselling before a formal statement is taken. Investigation continues.