Piravom: A week after an 18-year-old girl was found dead in the Kochi Lake, the cries for justice have only got louder. Political leaders and associations have raised their voice in support of the family of Mishel Shaji, whose body was recovered from the lake last Monday.
The police insist that the aspiring chartered accountant had committed suicide but her relatives refuse to buy the theory. They cite evidence to support their claim that there was no reason for the young woman to end her life. They want the police to form a special investigation team to probe the case.
Mishel left her hostel room in Kochi on March 5. She was found dead the next day.
Also read: Crime Branch to probe into Mishel Shaji's death, says Kerala CM | Video
The police said they have summoned a young man who was alleged to have teased Mishel. The man, who is outside the state now, is expected to reach the Central Police Station on Monday.
The investigating officers will also question Mishel's friend.
The Kochi city police commissioner has offered to talk with Mishel's family members on Tuesday.
On Monday, Piravom MLA Anoop Jacob raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly.
Also read: Suicide or murder? Mishel's family won't let police to close the case yet
Earlier, Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden said he had also requested the chief minister and the Inspector General of Police to form a special investigation team.
He said the eagerness of the police to close the case as a suicide raised suspicions.
Jose K. Mani MP has also asked for an effective probe into the mysterious death.
An all-party meeting has been called at the Piravom municipal council hall on Monday to discuss the matter.
The Youth Congress and Kerala Students' Union workers held protests near the city police commissioner's office. The DYFI has launched a mass petition campaign to lobby the chief minister.