Mohammed Jasim, 23, accused of the rape of a three-year-old girl at Tirur, was produced before District and Sessions Court Judge P.K. Haneefa at Manjeri on Friday.
He was remanded in judicial custody till March 22.
Jasim, who was arrested from Kozhikode on Thursday, was sent to the sub-jail at Manjeri.
The child had been sexually abused at Tirur on Monday night. Deputy Superintendent of Police K.M. Saidali brought the accused to the Sessions Court amid tight security as a large number of people had gathered outside the court.
Police said they would seek custody of the accused in order to complete the investigation scientifically. Forensic examinations in connection with the case are in progress.
A large crowd that had gathered outside the police station at Tirur on Thursday night turned restive when the accused was brought to the station after questioning at Kottakkal. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.
The condition of the three-year-old victim is stable. Doctors said her condition was improving.
Chandy visits hospital
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday visited the child at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
The Chief Minister who arrived at the hospital by evening met her mother and promised all support of the government for the family.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Mr. Chandy said the government would grant a special fund for constructing a house for the girl’s family at Tirur.
“Also, the government will bear all financial expenses for the schooling of the child,” he added.
Mr. Chandy, who enquired about the treatment facilities given to the child, said there would be proper security at the hospital premises for the protection of girl and her mother
