HC dismisses plea for fresh probe against Kurien in rape case

Kerala High Court today dismissed two petitions seeking further investigation against Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien in the 1996 Suryanelli rape case, holding that there were no grounds for a fresh probe.
Justice P Bhavadasan gave the order while dismissing the petitions of the rape victim and one T P Nandakumar.
The court held that there were no significant fresh materials other than the disclosures made by accused Dharmarajan, to a television channel (some months ago). Later Dharmarajan had resiled from the allegation.
While observing that the trauma of the victim was 'quiet understandable' and 'not forgetful', Justice bhavadasan said the threat of Suryanelli case had haunted Kurien for years. His role had been investigated earlier and he was discharged in 2007.

The girl from Suryanelli in Idukki district was abducted in January 1996 and transported from place to place across Kerala and sexually exploited by over 40 persons.
Though she had named Kurien as one among those who had allegedly exploited her, he was not made an accused in the case.