ORDER :

P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN, J.

This Bail Application is filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita ( BNSS ), 2023.

2. The petitioner is an accused in Crime No.98/2025 of Vellarada Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram. The above case is registered against the petitioner alleging offences punishable under Section 354A(1)(i) of IPC and Sections 8 r/w 7, 10 r/w 9(n)(p) of the POCSO Act.

3. The victim is a minor girl aged 14 years and she is studying in the 10 ^th standard. The accused is the grandfather of the victim. The accused is a rubber tapper. The prosecution allegation is that on 02.02.2024, while the victim was sleeping in the house of the accused, with sexual intent, he patted on her private parts through her dress. Hence, it is alleged that the accused committed the offence.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Public Prosecutor.

5. The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is in custody from 18.01.2025. The counsel also submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide any conditions imposed by this Court, if this Court grants him bail.

6. The Public Prosecutor opposed the bail application.

7. Thi