Kerala - Kottayam   

Praveen murder: probe enters crucial phase

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM, FEB. 22. The investigation into the brutal murder of a 24-year-old youth, Praveen, in which R. Shaji, Dy.SP (Administration) Malappuram, has emerged as the prime suspect, has entered a crucial phase with police sources expressing confidence that "a clear picture would emerge within 24 hours.'' They hope to book the culprits without much delay, after that.

With nearly 20 years of service in law enforcement, the suspect has proved himself to be a hard nut to crack, the sources said. Though the suspect has not confessed to the crime so far, the police have succeeded in unearthing evidences which are now being corroborated with his statements. It is learnt that the suspect has been taken to some of the key spots connected with the crime. The investigation is looking into the possibility of Kottayam town limit itself being the scene of crime, it is learnt. The investigation also has ruled out the possibility of the murder being the handiwork of a single person.

According to the sources, more than 70 persons have been questioned so far in connection with the murder case, though less than a dozen have been zeroed in. The identity of the body has almost been proved with Praveen's father and brother identifying the severed body parts. Now these have to be established scientifically through the findings of the post mortem reports and other methods, the sources pointed out.

Missing head

The investigation into the missing head of the severed body is also on, the sources said. The victim, a relative and former employee of the suspect Shaji, was missing from February 15.

The investigation so far has proved that he was murdered the same night.

The severed legs were found at Cheepunkal, near Kumarakom, on February 16 evening and the torso and arms the next day near the Thanneermukkom bund.

The main suspect was taken into custody on February 18.

Three cases

Three cases have been filed in connection with the case, one at Kottayam (west) police station regarding the severed legs, another, at Ettumanur police state which is man missing case by Praveen's father and a third one, the case of the severed torso and arms at Vaikom.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

Praveen murder: probe enters crucial phase

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu