KOCHI: The CBI on Monday submitted before the Kerala High Court that it could not trace additional records or old files regarding Sister Abhaya murder case from the office of the Sub Division Magistrate, Kottayam.
It also informed that a final report in the case relating to wilful destruction of material objects in the case will be filed before the CBI Special Court before June 30.
The CBI stated that as many as 48 persons were examined during the further investigation of the case. And various documents, including distribution registers of 1992-93 period, unclaimed articles register of the same period, the files relating to the unnatural death of Sister Abhaya maintained at the sub divisional magistrate court office, Kottayam, and inquest reports were scrutinised.
Efforts were made to locate the old files from the office of SDM, Kottayam, being dealt with by Muralidharan, then Lower Division Clerk of the office.
“No additional records/files were located at the office despite rigorous efforts by the CBI. Besides, serious efforts were made for locating all staff/police personnel posted at the Kottayam West Police Station, CB (CID), Kottayam, and SDM Office. The further investigation was completed and the final report was submitted to the senior officials for their approval,” CBI DySP V Devraj submitted.
The CBI filed the affidavit in response to a petition filed by K T Michael, former superintendent of police, who had investigated the Sister Abhaya case seeking further investigation into the allegation that he had destroyed evidence related to the case. The evidence collected, including personal clothing recovered from the body of the deceased, one plastic bottle, a pair of lady’s slippers and a white veil were produced before the SDM’s court, Kottayam.
However, these were destroyed hastily, without handing it over to the CBI. In a case with no eye-witnesses or any other pieces of evidence, the destruction of material evidence assumes great significance, especially since the CBI had concluded that Abhaya’s death was due to homicide.
