KOTTAYAM: Finally, the special investigation team (SIT) probing the death of Kevin P Joseph put together the turn of events with regard to his abduction and ensuing death. According to SIT sources, Kevin had escaped from the gang and accidentally fell into the rivulet.The SIT arrived at this conclusion on the basis of the statement given by Aneesh Sebastian, Kevin’s cousin, who was also abducted, and the information received from the accused during interrogation.
“As per statements of Aneesh and the accused, Kevin escaped from the gang around 4.45 am on May 27. Though the gang members roamed the area for two to three hours searching for Kevin, they could not find him and hence they left the place by 8 am. In the meantime, Kevin might have fallen in the water,” said highly placed sources.
SIT sources said Syanu Chacko and Niyas are the key accused in the case. “While Syanu planned and arranged finance for the crime, Niyas held the operational charges and arranged gang members and logistics. The accused in the case are friends of Niyas,” they said.At the same time, the SIT is unlikely to change the murder charge slapped on the accused, though Kevin’s death was believed to be due to drowning. “Autopsy report and circumstantial evidence indicate the incident as a case of drowning. However, we have sought the help of the medical board to check whether there were any other options, taking into account the reports of the autopsy and inquest as well as nature of injuries,” said Kottayam SP Harisankar.
Harisankar added the SIT will go ahead with IPC section 302 (murder) against the accused and let the court decide whether it should be changed to IPC 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
The SIT also commenced collecting evidence from the spot along with the accused on Sunday. Taking into account the importance and sensation of the case, the evidence collection was done under the direct leadership of Kochi Range IG Vijay S Sakhare. While speaking to reporters, Sakhare said there were no contradictions in the statements of the accused and the police would do their best to ensure maximum punishment for the accused.
Of the 14 accused in the case, Niyas, Fazal, Riyas and Vishnu were taken to Chaliyekkara, near Thenmala, where Kevin was found dead in a rivulet on May 28. The SIT also recovered four daggers and mobiles phone as material objects from the house of Vishnu. Meanwhile, the accused maintained Kevin had escaped from them, when they arrived at Chaliyekkara. The accused Fazal and Niyas showed the way through which Kevin had reportedly run away.