KOCHI: A relative of Jisha, who was raped and murdered at Perumbavoor last month, on Saturday alleged that the police were trying to divert the course of the ongoing investigation into the case.
Laila Biju, the victim's aunt, said that police officials deployed at the hospital where Jisha's mother and sister have been undergoing treatment, were attempting to influence them.
Speaking to reporters at the Ernakulam Press Club here, Laila said the police were not allowing Jisha's relatives, who have been giving care to her mother Rajeshwari at the hospital, to visit the latter."When we visited the hospital, the police personnel deployed there stopped us and informed that Rajeshwari and Jisha's sister Deepa were under their custody. Vibin, a caretaker appointed by the Health Department, is attempting to influence Rajeshwari and Deepa," she said, and alleged that the police started the investigation only four days after the murder.According to Laila, Rajeshwari still believed that one of their neighbours, who is a painter by profession, was behind the murder. "Several persons visited the residence of the suspect. They claimed they had lured several women into their trap, and were trying to trap Jisha also," she said, adding that Jisha had once told her that she was receiving threats to her life ever since her mother met with an accident.
No Names Dropped
"However, she did not specify who was behind the threat. Jisha was capable of facing any such attempt alone," she pointed out. On the police interrogating Deepa, Laila said she did not believe Deepa had any role in the murder.
"Even though Deepa was not in good terms with Rajeshwari, she spoke to Jisha frequently. Considering the gruesome manner in which the murder was committed, I think it was done by someone who had grudge against Jisha," she said, and alleged that neighbours and the ward member did not help the family in shifting the victim's body to the medical college. According to Laila, Rajeshwari raised allegations against Saju Paul MLA due to depression.
Vital clue on culprit received: Chennithala
T’Puram: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday said the team probing the Jisha murder case has received vital information and complete picture about the culprit. “The DNA profile of one of the suspects have matched with the evidence collected from Jisha’s body. With this crucial evidence, the culprit will be nabbed soon,” he said. “It is for the first time in the history of Kerala Police, a case was investigated scientifically to trace the culprit. DNA profile was detected with the assistance of Forensic Department and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. Though there is much pressure on the police, it wouldn’t affect the probe,” the Home Minister said.