Kozhikode (Keralam), Nov 5 (PTI) Residents of Maniyoor took out a jubilant march following the arrest of an expatriate businessman

Kozhikode (Keralam), Nov 5 (PTI) Residents of Maniyoor took out a jubilant march following the arrest of an expatriate businessman

Kozhikode (Keralam), Nov 5 (PTI) Residents of Maniyoor took out a jubilant march following the arrest of an expatriate businessman

Kozhikode (Keralam), Nov 5 (PTI) Residents of Maniyoor took out a jubilant march following the arrest of an expatriate businessman in a controversial POCSO case after the Kerala High Court upheld the cancellation of his bail, police said on Thursday.

Officials at Payyoli police station said Abdul Rafeeq (48) was detained by the Kozhikode Rural Crime Branch at Chengottukavu near Koyilandy on Wednesday, minutes after the High Court vacated an interim stay on the lower court's order cancelling his bail.

Soon after the arrest, locals took out a march in Maniyoor to express support for the police action and demand a detailed probe, officials said.

They also demanded justice and support for the minor in the case, officials said.

The case was registered by the Payyoli police under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in January 2026 following a complaint from Childline.

Rafeeq, an expatriate businessman, is the first accused, while the girl's mother is the second accused.

Rafeeq was a close friend of the victim's mother, and the minor was allegedly sexually assaulted for over two years, police said.

Police arrested and remanded the mother following public protests.

However, Rafeeq moved to the Gulf, and residents alleged police inaction behind the escape.

Rafeeq later returned to India and surrendered before the Koyilandy Fast Track Court, which granted him bail, officials said.

Protesting against the grant of bail and the delay in the investigation, locals formed an action committee and organised road blockades and a march to the police station.

Two police personnel attached to the Payyoli police station were suspended in connection with the case.

Subsequently, the police approached the Koyilandy Fast Track Court, which cancelled Rafeeq's bail, officials said.

He then moved the High Court challenging the lower court's decision and obtained an interim stay.

However, after detailed arguments, the High Court lifted the stay on Wednesday, paving the way for his arrest.

Police said Rafeeq would be produced before the court as part of the remand procedure.

They would also seek his custody for detailed interrogation.

Earlier, the CPI(M) had alleged lapses by the police in the delay in arresting Rafeeq.

Indian Union Muslim League MLA Parakkal Abdulla recently approached State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking action against police officers following protests over Rafeeq's release on bail.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)