The preliminary autopsy report indicated that the overseas visitor had died after a struggle with her likely killers.Thiruvananthapuram: After an autopsy report confirmed that Liga Skromane, a Latvian tourist who had gone missing from Kovalam on March 14, was killed by external blunt force that broke her neck, fresh pointers indicate that three people could have been involved in the murder.
This includes a Yoga instructor and two people notorious for drug peddling. The yoga instructor is believed to have brought Liga into the mangrove forest.
It was earlier confirmed that the chronically depressed medical tourist had died due to asphyxiation.
According to the autopsy report, Liga's body bore ten wounds and she was attacked brutally.
Though the police had ruled out rape Saturday, conflicting reports say that Liga could have died in a rape bid.
Liga and Ilze in an old photographAccording to foresnsic experts, Liga could have suffered the fatal injuries when she was either held by her neck while being pressed against the floor or she was strangulated.
Fresh leads pricked up by the police say that the yoga instructor and two others were seen running away from the marshland some days ago. The yoga instructor, who is also an illegal tourist guide, is believed to have brought Liga to the mangrove forest. He was seen in the vicinity even days before the dead body was found.
The preliminary autopsy report, which was released on Saturday, indicated that the overseas visitor had died after a struggle with her killers. Her neck cartilage was found ruptured, indicating that she was forcefully held by her neck. Nerves running to her head were also severed in the struggle.
According to the report, the cartilage injury was grave enough to cause the death. The autopsy has also shown an injury to Liga's hip bone.
Police are waiting for a detailed chemical analysis of the internal organs of the murdered woman to make a final decision on the arrests.
Missing for a month
Liga who went missing from Pothencode in the city was later found dead from a mangrove forest at Thiruvallam on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram city.
Her higly decomposed body was identified by her kin and a subsequent DNA test had confirmed that the body was indeed that of Liga.
Ilze and Andrew in their search for Liga: File photoSeven people, including the prime suspect, are already in custody, and any action, including their arrests, will be effected soon.
A strand of hair, recovered from the crime site has also been sent for DNA tests to confirm the identity of the owner.
Liga, who had arrived in Kerala for recuperating from chronic depression, had gone missing on March 14. Her rotting body was found by locals in a mangrove forest at Thiruvallam a few days ago.
This secluded place is known to be a haven for drug pushers.
A boatman's statement to the cops strengthens this possibility. The six people who used to frequent the mangrove were arrested following his statement.
The police had also found an abandoned boat which was scanned for fingerprints and other possible leads.
Her death could have been averted
Ilze Skromane told Manorama News in an exclusive news discussion that if the Kerala police had taken her complaint seriously and looked for her sister instantly, Liga's death could have been averted.
According to reports, Ilze had filed a missing person complaint immediately after Liga had gone missing. Ten days later it came to light that the nearby police stations were not even aware of Ilze's complaint.
Ilze, who ran a campaign with the support of Liga's partner Andrew, searching for her sister, said that she received no support from the police or tourism departments in her search.
Ilze Skromane and Liga's partner Andrew Jordan: ManoramaLiga was gullible, says Ilze
Speaking to Manorama, Liga's sister Ilze said that her sister was gullible and anyone who makes a friendly approach could have convinced her to accompany him/them.
Ilze also reiterated the fact that the dead body had a jacket which was not her sister's, adding that Liga had an aversion for shopping clothes.
Liga's partner and sister had earlier called for a high-level probe.
Diversionary tactics?
The police are treading cautiously with the inconsistent statements that have started flowing in of late. Several people have reported having seen Liga come out of the mangrove forest alone.
The marshland was frequented by people even days before the body was found. There is also a possibility that people knew of the presence of the body yet did not report. This has raised suspicion as Liga's family had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for any leads on her disappearance.
Read: Latest Kerala News | Six men force woman to drink liquor, rape her in Kozhikode
Read: Latest Kerala News | Six men force woman to drink liquor, rape her in Kozhikode
