Sexual abuse by Cricket Coach: Parents of victims move Kerala High Court for thorough probe

A plea has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking a detailed and thorough investigation into the alleged sexual abuse committed by a former cricket coach associated with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) [XXXXX & ors v State of Kerala & ors]..Justice A Badharudeen heard the matter on August 7 and was informed about the allegations against the coach, Manu M, who served as coach at the KCA training centre in Thiruvananthapuram. The judge noted the police report submitted by the Inspector of Police detailed the coach’s alleged misconduct and the charges filed against him under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO ACT) and the Information Technology Act.The report also clarified that the accused was in judicial custody and that his mobile phone was seized for scientific examination.The petitioners submitted that they would want to argue the matter in detail. "Even though the investigation report filed and the copy of the same has been filed upon the petitioners, the learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that the investigation is not proper and relevant documents not seized. Hence, learned counsel for the petitioners wants to argue the matter in detail," the order noted.Hence, the case was posed for September 3. .The petition was filed by the parents of the children who had underwent cricket training at the KCA's Cricket Coaching Centre, at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram.On June 9, 2024, a first information report (FIR) was registered against Manu based on a complaint by the mother of one of the victims who highlighted the traumatic experiences endured by her daughter because of him.The distressing revelation of sexual abuse came to light when the victim, who had shown a sudden loss of interest in cricket and unusual behavior since 2019, disclosed the abuse during counselling sessions. Manu was subsequently arrested and this incident was highly publicised in the media. More parents came forward with complaints after knowing about the abuse by the coach against their children during cricket coaching sessions. The parents have now moved the present petition seeking direction to the police to conduct proper and fair investigation into the matter. The plea has pointed out that the coach accompanied the players for tournaments, used to arrange their travel and accommodation, and would subject the victims to sexual abuse and harassment during such outstation tournaments.As per the plea, Manu has a history of sexual crimes and he may be a part of a larger criminal network involved in distributing sexually explicit content online..The petitioners contend that the current investigation has been ineffective and hence, the Court should call for a detailed inquiry, placing the matters in the hands of the State Cyber Crime or Cyberdome Investigation to determine whether any pornographic material was created and misused. They have sought the Court’s intervention to ensure that the investigation is pursued effectively..The petitioners have also sought the appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor in the case and requested the Court to order the State Police to hand over the case to the Crime Branch for effective investigation..The Court posted the matter for detailed hearing on September 3..Advocate MR Dhanil appeared for the petitioners..[Read Order]