Kozhikode: V. Mayankutty, accused in the murder of a nine-year-old schoolgirl at Payyoli on Monday, has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. Amid tight security, the police produced him before the Judicial First Class Magistrate’s Court at Payyoli on Wednesday.
Investigators are also planning to move an affidavit before the court to get him into police custody to collect more evidence and verify details in the case. He was charged under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Mayankutty had smothered the Class IV student of M.L.P School at Cherandathur with a shawl after she resisted his attempts to sexually exploit her. He strangled her when she told him that she would disclose this to her mother and teachers. The girl had gone to his house during recess at 11.15 a.m. to drink water. However, the teachers and friends found her missing when the classes resumed. A search by teachers and local people led them to the house of Mayankutty. The body was found hidden in a sack inside a shed on the terrace of the house at 12.30 p.m. The police had to burst teargas shells and resort to a lathicharge to take the accused into custody on Monday. Local people had gathered in large number in front of the house. A violent mob had also hurled stones at the car of the Revenue Divisional Officer.The Payyoli police arrested nine persons involved in the violent incident.