As investigation tightens and more evidence is unearthed in the snakebite murder of a young woman at Anchal in Kerala's Kollam district recently, ManoramaNews on Tuesday reported that more persons are likely to be charged along with the woman's husband Sooraj and his accomplice Suresh.
Crime Branch, now tasked with the case, is also looking into whether Sooraj's family had any role in the murder of 25-year-old Uthra. After 27-year-old Sooraj confessed to the crime on Sunday, the woman's kin had alleged that his parents too could be involved.
Earlier, after the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) ordered that the couple's son be handed over to the woman's family, Sooraj's parents had shifted the kid to another place. Police finally traced the kid to Sooraj's relative's place.
The investigation team is now combing through the crime scenes to gather more evidence. The court had earlier remanded the accused for four days in police custody.
Dramatic scenes unfolded on Monday at the house of Uthra when Sooraj was brought there by the police for evidence collection. The woman's tearful mother had protested against his entry into the house, but the evidence collection was carried out nonetheless.
The bottle used to carry the snake was found in an empty building near the house. Investigators say this is important evidence in the case. The bottle was handed over to the forensic team. Reports are expected soon.
Uthra died of snakebite at her house on May 7. After rigorous questioning, Sooraj, a native of Parakode in Adoor, confessed to plotting the murder.
Sooraj had bought the cobra from Suresh, an acquaintance, and orchestrated the murder while Uthra was asleep. Sooraj had bought two snakes for Rs 10,000, police said.
Crime Branch probe had revealed that Sooraj had prior experience in handling snakes and had searched the topic on YouTube several times in the past three months. Two of his accomplices have also been detained by the police.
The buried snake was dug up on Tuesday and sent for autopsy.
Uthra’s parents alleged that Sooraj had an eye on Uthra’s wealth. They also filed a complaint with the police that the jewellery presented to their daughter during her wedding was missing. Police found that Uthra's bank locker, jointly operated by Sooraj, was opened on March 2.
Sooraj, Suresh and another accomplice were taken into custody on Sunday. The Forest Department too has filed a case against Sooraj and Suresh under the Wildlife Protection Act.
