Kerala Court Clears Five Accused in Trafficking Case

In a significant judicial ruling, a Kerala court has acquitted five individuals, including two nuns, who were accused of trafficking three underage girls for domestic work. The verdict, delivered by the Court of I Additional Sessions Judge of Thrissur, underscored the absence of evidence supporting claims of coercion and exploitation.

The case, originating from a 2022 complaint by the Railway Police, alleged that the girls, aged 15 to 18, were transported from Jharkhand to Kerala under duress. During the hearing, the court highlighted the lack of any grave suspicion or evidence indicating threats, fraud, or practices akin to slavery.

Ultimately, the court discharged all five accused, cancelling their bail bonds, after noting that the girls traveled with parental consent in search of employment. This decision reflects the importance of substantial evidence in trafficking cases, as asserted by the Supreme Court's precedents.

(With inputs from agencies.)