Thiruvananthapuram:Look-out against rapist imam

Thiruvananthapuram: The police may issue a look-out notice against Shafiq Al Qassimi, former chief Imam of the Tholicode Muslim Jama'ath here, who was charged under PoCSO Act for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl. This was stated by Nedumangad DySp B. Ashokan who is supervising the investigation into the case coming within the jurisdiction of Vithura police station.

The case was registered only on Tuesday based on the statement of Jama'ath president Badusha, though the incident happened over a week ago. The police have given protection to Badusha. Though the police had searched the houses of the relatives of Qasssimi at his native place at Erattupetta, they could not trace him.

As anticipatory bail will not be issued in cases registered under the PoCSO Act, the police, through a notice sent to his lawyer, have asked him to surrender.

Meanwhile, the family of the girl,  who had earlier refused to cooperate with the police, will give a statement against the Imam after the girl's father arrives from the Gulf. This is following the counseling given by the child welfare committee.

The police will also take the statements of the girl and the eyewitnesses.