The couple had decided to get married and submitted an application for the same just two days before Kevin was abducted and later found dead: File photoKottayam: Three more accused in the sensational Kevin murder case, suspected to be a case of 'honour killing' have been arrested.
Two of them, Nishad and Shefin, were arrested when they arrived at the Ettumanoor Court to surrender. Another accused, Tito Jerome, surrendered at the Peerumedu court.
More accused are believed to be on the run.
Kevin P Joseph, 23, a resident of Kottayam was found dead in a river in Kollam Monday, hours after he was abducted in a midnight operation by an armed gang.
The 13-member gang was allegedly engaged by his fiancee's family. His relatives have alleged he was tortured and killed by the gang two days after Kevin and Neenu filed a joint application for marriage registration at a sub-registrar office near here.
Kevin, a Dalit christian and Neenu's whose parents had a love marriage over 25 years ago, had decided to marry against Neenu's parents' wishes. The young woman was allegedly forced to move to a hostel after her parents tried to forcibly marry her off.
On Tuesday, the police had arrested the main accused Sanu Chacko and his father Chacko, Neenu's brother and father, from Kannur. After being refused refuge by a friend at Kannur, the duo surrendered at the Karikottakari police station.
An auto driver, Manu, who was part of a gang which abducted Kevin on Sunday, was arrested from Thenmala.
Sanu Chacko has been brought to the Ettumanoor police station for questioning while Chacko and Manu are being grilled at an undisclosed location.
The police had on Monday arrested DYFI worker Niyas, Riyas and Ishan, who were part of the gang that abducted Kevin.
Policemen arrested
Ernakulam Range IG Vijay Sakhare, who is investigating the case which has by now led to action against two cops and thrust the law-enforcers' criminal allegiances under the spotlight, said Neenu's father also had a role in the crime.
As many as 14 people, including Neenu's parents – Chacko and Rehna have been booked in the case.
ASI Biju of the Gandhinagar police station has been suspended after it came to light that he was hand in gloves with the accused and was aware of the abduction plan beforehand.
He had also spoken with the culprits twice during the crime and is likely to be named as accused. He will be booked on charges of trying to conceal the crime and has been arrested along with police driver Ajaya Kumar.
Vehicles seized
The police have also seized all three vehicles used by the killer gang. One of the cars belonging to Tittu, one of the accused, was found in the rubber plantation near his house in Kollam.
The forensic experts are checking the car which is believed to have been washed to destroy evidence. Two cars were earlier seized from Punalur.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that sub-inspector Shibu, who was earlier suspended for laxity after Kevin's fiancee alleged that he didn't act promptly on the missing complaint she had approached them with, is also likely to be named as an accused.
The sub-inspector was also part of the CM's security team during Pinarayi's visit to the district on Monday.
The police are also probing charges that a patrol vehicle that reportedly apprehended the killer gang let them off for a bribe. The initial autopsy report hinted that Kevin could have drowned and grievous injuries on his body may not be the likely cause of death.
