The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which verified the deaths of 22 minors in Palakkad between 2010 and 2023, has found nothing suspicious in their deaths.

The verification revealed that there was no evidence of sexual assault or physical abuse in any of the cases, according to the agency. The investigation agency also concluded that no “suspicious circumstances or incidents preceding the deaths were noticed during the inquiry.”

Major causes

Poverty, familial issues, anxiety and mental distress appeared to be a major cause of suicide in the cases of a few minors. In some cases, deaths were due to accidental causes, the report said.

The Kerala High Court had sought the response of the CBI in the cases involving children, while considering a public interest petition moved by Salil Lal Ahamed seeking a CBI probe into the deaths.

The agency found that 10 of the 22 children died due to accidental causes, while 12 children died by suicide for various reasons. Scolding and denial of mobile phones by parents, emotional distress, and other personal issues were also cited as the reasons for the children taking the extreme step. Of the 22 cases, 11 were boys in the age group of 9 to 13 years, and the 11 others belonged to the age group of 9 to 13 years, the agency reported.

The CBI informed the court that it had conducted the field verification in the cases and interacted with the complainants, the family members of the deceased and their neighbours and the civic representatives of the respective areas. It had also interacted with the earlier investigating officers of the cases, and the doctors who conducted the post-mortem examinations.

The CBI further added that final reports were submitted before respective Sub-Divisional Magistrate Courts by treating the cases as “further action dropped”. The courts had also accepted and admitted the final reports. There were no complaints, objections, or protest petitions filed before the jurisdictional magistrates by the relatives of the deceased or any other aggrieved persons challenging the investigation or the final reports submitted in the 22 cases, the agency informed the court.

The Hindu had earlier reported that the CBI had compiled the information on the deaths in the charge-sheet filed in the sexual assault and death of twin sisters of Walayar. The CBI had noted that the “most probable manner of death could be suicide in nature” and “the possibility of death by homicidal manner of hanging can be ruled out to a reasonable medical certainty” in the two cases.

The CBI has also reported that 305 cases were booked in the region under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act during the decade.

Incidentally, the Kerala police too had earlier arrived at the conclusion that no foul play was involved in the cases.

(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling any of the following numbers: DISHA-1056, 0471-2552056, State’s health helpline 104, Maithri-0484-2540530, Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre-0495-2760000.)

Published - August 09, 2026 06:40 pm IST