Kottayam: The trial in the sensational Kevin Joseph murder case is on here. Kevin’s father Joseph told the court on Monday that two days before the abduction that led to his son's murder, Chacko Joseph, the father of his son's lover Neenu, had approached him seeking her release.
Kevin was abducted and killed by a gang of criminals allegedly engaged by the kin of his fiancee Neenu. His body was found in a river in Kollam district on May 28, 2018. The case is being considered as a case of honour killing as Kevin was a Dalit Christian.
From Joseph’s statement: Chacko came to my workshop at Chavittuvari on May 25. Fourth accused Riyas and Neenu’s maternal aunt came home on May 26. After Kevin and Aneesh were abducted on May 27, CPM Ettumanoor area secretary Venu was intimated first. I registered a complaint with Gandhi Nagar Police later, but the SI’s response was cold.
I saw Neenu for the first time at the station, the statement concludes.
Meanwhile, civil police officer Ajayakumar told the court he saw prime accused and Neenu’s brother Sanu Chacko and third accused Ishan near Mannanam on the night Kevin was abducted.
“ASI TM Biju was with me. They said they were there for the wedding of a friend’s sister at Amalagiri, but ended up in Mannanam by mistake. Sanu’s car’s number plate was smudged with mud. He said another car had splashed dirt onto his. A photo of the car along with Sanu and Ishan was taken and the former’s phone number collected. I received information about the attack on Anish’s house later. ASI Biju called Sanu and Chacko on phone and recorded the conversation,” Ajayakumar said.
Ajayakumar identified the recording in court.
Ajayakumar, who was suspended for taking bribe from Sanu, has returned to duty. ASI Biju has been given notice of termination.
The sessions court had resumed Kevin murder trial yesterday.
