Kerala Instagram influencer's death: Detained youth sent to 3-day police custody

By Aishwarya Nair | First Published Jun 20, 2024, 12:59 PM IST

A 21-year-old male social media influencer named Binoy, residing in Nedumangad, has been arrested by Poojapura police in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with a POCSO case following the suicide of an Instagram influencer girl. The arrest came after allegations made by the girl's mother, leading to the court granting three days' police custody for further investigation.

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development, the 21-year-old youth from Nedumangad was sent to a 3-day police custody in connection with a POCSO case following the suicide of an Instagram influencer girl in Thiruvananthapuram. The arrest was made based on allegations made by the girl's mother, with the court granting three days of police custody as requested by the authorities.

A case of incitement to suicide will not be filed against Binoy. The decision of the police is based on the fact that the girl committed suicide due to the depression of having an abortion and there is no reference in the suicide note against Binoy. The accused was then sent to three-day police custody by an additional CJM court dealing with POCSO cases.

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The prosecution argued that it was necessary to keep the accused in custody for evidence collection and thorough interrogation. The accused needed to be taken to the resort and home where the girl was sexually assaulted to gather evidence. Additionally, the vehicles they traveled in should be located.

The defense argued to the lawyer that Binoy had no relationship with the girl since last March, and if there had been an issue, the girl would have filed a complaint at that time. They claimed that the police fabricated the story to protect someone else.

The court accepted the prosecution's argument and remanded him into police custody. Currently, Binoy faces charges under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) and related to abortion.

Kerala: 18-year-old Instagram influencer commits suicide; Male friend charged with POCSO, arrested

An eighteen-year-old girl from Thrikkanapuram, who attempted suicide by hanging at her home a week ago, passed away on Sunday (June 16) night while receiving treatment at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. The hospital authorities notified the police about the incident. The girl had been active on Instagram, where she had amassed over 1 lakh followers.

On Tuesday (June 18), police arrested Binoy, a resident of Uzhamalackal in Nedumangad, in connection with the death of the Instagram influencer. Poojapura police charged him under the POCSO Act for abetting suicide, following a complaint filed by the girl's family.

Police investigations found that the girl had known Binoy since before reaching puberty, initially connecting through social media. They later ended the friendship reportedly. The police department is currently conducting an inquiry into the circumstances of the case.

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