The Fast Track Special Court-I, Neyyattinkara, has acquitted former Perumbavoor MLA Eldhose Kunnappillil and two co-accused in a case involving allegations of rape, kidnapping, outraging modesty, criminal intimidation, and attempt to murder.
Special Judge Suja K.M. delivered the judgment on May 26, 2026, in Sessions Case No. 2362 of 2024 arising from Crime No. 983/2022 of Kovalam Police Station.
The Court acquitted Eldhose Kunnappillil (A1), Reneesha (A2), and Sippi Noorudheen (A3) after finding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges against them.
Allegations Against Eldhose Kunnappillil
According to the prosecution, Eldhose Kunnappillil knew the victim for about five years.
The prosecution alleged that he sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.
It claimed that on July 4, 2022, he took the victim from Pettah Railway Station to Ayursoma Ayurvedic Royal Retreat at Adimalathura. He allegedly took her there under the pretext of attending a meeting and raped her in a room at the resort.
Alleged Incidents in Ernakulam
The prosecution further alleged that Eldhose later took the victim to locations in Thrikkakara North Village and Rayamangalam Village in Ernakulam district.
According to the prosecution, he raped her at those locations on separate occasions.
The prosecution argued that these incidents formed part of a continuing pattern of sexual abuse.
Alleged Assault Near Kovalam
The prosecution alleged that on September 14, 2022, Eldhose forcibly took the victim from a residence in Kadakampally Village to the Kerala Government Guest House at Kovalam.
When the victim refused to stay there, he allegedly assaulted her.
The prosecution also claimed that he later took her to a location near Kovalam Beach and attempted to push her into a deep water-filled rocky pit.
Allegations Against Co-Accused
The prosecution accused Reneesha of repeatedly contacting the victim and threatening her.
According to the prosecution, Reneesha warned that the victim would be implicated in a honey-trap case and sent to jail.
The prosecution also alleged that Sippi Noorudheen falsely introduced himself as a Jail Superintendent.
It claimed that he threatened the victim to discourage her from pursuing the complaint.
Investigation and Charges
The victim submitted a complaint to the City Police Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram, on September 28, 2022.
Based on the complaint, police registered the crime and launched an investigation.
Investigators conducted the victim’s medical examination and recorded her statement under Section 164 CrPC.
They also prepared scene mahazars and collected documentary evidence.
After completing the investigation, police filed a final report alleging offences under Sections 323, 366, 354, 506(i), 354B, 376(2)(n), and 307 read with Section 34 IPC.
Trial Before the Court
The Court framed charges against the first accused under the relevant IPC provisions.
It also framed charges under Section 506(i) read with Section 34 IPC against accused Nos. 2 and 3.
All three accused denied the allegations and claimed trial.
During the trial, the prosecution examined three witnesses and produced several documents, including the complaint, medical records, FIR, scene mahazars, and arrest memos.
Victim Turns Hostile
The victim appeared as PW1 during the trial.
However, she did not support the prosecution’s case.
According to the Court, she stated that Eldhose had not raped her and had not sexually harassed her.
She also denied the allegations of criminal intimidation against the co-accused.
Other Witnesses Also Do Not Support Case
A friend of the victim, examined as PW2, also failed to support the prosecution’s version.
He stated that he had not witnessed any of the alleged incidents.
Another witness, PW3, similarly stated that he had no knowledge of the allegations.
Following these developments, the prosecution gave up its remaining witnesses.
Court Finds No Evidence
The Court found no evidence to prove that the first accused caused hurt to the victim, used criminal force against her, committed rape, or attempted to murder her.
The Court also found no evidence to establish criminal intimidation by any of the accused.
According to the judgment, the prosecution failed to prove any of the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
Accused Acquitted
The Court held that the prosecution failed to establish the charges against the accused.
Accordingly, it acquitted Eldhose Kunnappillil of offences under Sections 323, 366, 354, 506(i), 354B, 376(2)(n), and 307 read with Section 34 IPC.
The Court also acquitted Reneesha and Sippi Noorudheen of the charge under Section 506(i) read with Section 34 IPC.
The Court cancelled their bail bonds and directed that all three accused be set at liberty.
Case Details
Case Title: State of Kerala v. Eldhose Kunnappillil & Ors.
Case No.: Sessions Case No. 2362/2024
Court: Fast Track Special Court-I, Neyyattinkara
Judge: Smt. Suja K.M., Special Judge
Date of Judgment: May 26, 2026
