HC completes preliminary hearing in Suryanelli sex scandal

Kerala High Court today completed preliminary hearing of a petition against Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha P J Kurien in the Suryanelli sex scandal and posted it for orders.
The petition was filed by the victim challenging the Thodupuzha Session Court order upholding the orders of a Magistrate Court, declining to arraign Kurien as accused in the case.
The victim complained that so far no proper investigation had been conducted against Kurien and two other accused - Jamal and Unnikrishnan.
Justice P Bhavadasan before whom the petition came up, reserved orders on the same.
Meanwhile, the victim filed another petition to recall the the April 4, 2007, order of the High Court discharging Kurien. The petitioner said she should be given an opportunity to be heard.

Further proceedings will be taken up later.
The sex scandal took place at Suryanelli in Idukki district January 1996. A 16-year-old was threatened, abducted and abused by a bus conductor and was later confined and sexually assaulted for 45 days by 42 men.