O R D E R

The petitioner herein apprehends arrest in connection with the Crime No.379/2017 of Nadakkavu police station for offences punishable under sections 9(n) read with section 10 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

2. The petitioner herein seems to be distantly related to the 10 year old victim. According to the prosecution, about two years back, she had gone to the house of her uncle, with her mother. She stayed there for some days, The petitioner herein, who was related to that uncle was also there in the house. It is stated that one day she was taken to an office, where she was offered an ice cream. While she was sipping the ice cream, the petitioner herein touched her chest. She objected to it. Thereafter, they returned home. Two days thereafter she is stated to have revealed to her father who asked her to be careful in future. It is stated that few days prior to the institution of the complaint, the mother had taken her to the same house and permitted the child to stay back there. Mother returned. Father raised objection regarding this. Thereupon, it appears that earlier incident was revealed. Hence complaint was laid.

3. The contention of the learned