KOTTAYAM: With no progress in the investigation in the missing case of Jesna Maria James, a college student and daughter of James Joseph, hailing from Vechoochira near Erumeli, the special investigation team on Tuesday conducted a massive search in forest areas, gorges and tourism spots in Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts.
However, the SIT did not get any valid lead and stopped the operations for the time being. According to Pathanamthitta District Police Chief T Narayanan, who is holding the operational charge of the investigation, about 100 policemen participated in the day-long search. “The search was centred in places where Jesna was last seen, especially in Mundakkayam and Erumeli. Thiruvalla DySP R Chandrasekhara Pillai, who is leading the investigation, led the operations and the policemen were divided into 10 teams to conduct the search,” he said.
While five teams under the CIs of Ranni and Erumely, covered the operations in Ponthanpuzha, Kannimala, Kolahalamedu near Vagamon, Mundakayam, 27th mile along NH 183 areas, the other groups under CIs of Thiruvalla and Perinadu led the search in Parunthumpara, Mathaikokka, Valanjaganam, Panchalimedu and Madammakulam areas in Idukki district. “Nothing could be found in today’s search and we are planning a review meeting tomorrow. Further steps will be taken depending on the outcome of the meeting,” Narayanan said.
The search was conducted as per the direction of IG Manoj Abraham, who is heading the SIT. Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the Assembly that police would probe whether she had left the country while replying to a query from Poonjar MLA P C George.A second-year graduate student of St Dominic College, Kanjirapally, Jesna went missing on March 21. The initial probe was done by Vechoochira SI and Perinad CI.
With no breakthrough forthcoming, the state police formed a special squad on May 3 and DGP Loknath Behera announced a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for those providing information on her. Now the cash reward has been enhanced to Rs 5 lakh. The police can be tipped off on 9497990035 or dysptvllapta.pol@kerala.gov.in.