Kerala: Fresh DNA test in rape-murder likely

Thiruvananthapuram/kochi: The probe into the murder of LLB student of Perumbavur on April 28 has reached a dead end again with the finding that the DNA sample collected from  the victim’s body does not match  that of the suspect in custody.  A forensic expert told DC that since the victim’s churidhar was soaked in her own blood, there was  a chance  of it interfering with the  DNA result. 

The scientific experts at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, will have to  repeat the process to reach a conclusion.   The forensic department at Alappuzha T. D. Medical College had got clinching evidence on the suspect’s dental bites on the victim’s left shoulder. A forensic odontologist had corroborating it and now the  DNA examination is crucial in cracking the case.

“Initially,  the forensic experts at Alappuzha MCH had identified the bite marks of the suspect on the victim’s left shoulder. There was saliva on her churidhar which was soaked in blood which enabled them to give it for DNA examination. We believe that since her dress was soaked in blood, it could interfere with the DNA result which has to be scientifically checked,”  a forensic expert told DC.

Dr Hitesh Sanker, secretary of Kerala Medico-Legal Society, told DC that the DNA examination could confirm the evidence in the Jisha case. “A forensic odontologist had confirmed the bite marks of the suspect. If there is saliva swab remaining, DNA examination is the last word. But initial DNA reports of saliva swab confirm that it does not match  that of the suspect,”  said Dr. Hitesh, associate professor of forensic medicine at Idukki Medical College.

Since the DNA report has been negative, the Special Investigation Team may not hold a press meet on Sunday to reveal the plot behind the murder. Forensic experts also told DC that the DNA examination will reveal the sex of the killer as the police initially suspected a woman behind the crime. But later, the police zeroed in on a Bengali migrant labourer and a Malayali as suspects.

Sources told DC that the key suspect was  a Bengali labourer and  the police wanted to nail him with forensic, circumstantial and scientific evidence. Meanwhile, a close relative of Jisha alleged foul play in the probe. The victim's Aunt Laila Biju on Saturday said in Kochi that the cops were not allowing the relatives to talk to the victim's mother and sister.  “I believe the police  consider  them as suspects,” Laila said and added that the cops were trying to save the murderer.  

Laila was denied permission to visit Rajeshwari, the victim's mother, in the  hospital. Police told her that both mother and victim were under their custody and that no one should visit them. Laila told reporters that the victim and her sister were on good terms and that she even planned a room in the house under construction. Laila also dismissed the allegations that the victim's sister had connection with some migrant laboureres and that they are behind the murder. 

“The victim's sister had been living with her for the past one year and she hadn’t noticed her of having any contacts with migrant  labourers,”  Laila said. Laila also alleged that  Sabu, a neighbour,  had  enmity towards the victim and that might be a reason for the murder.  She suspects that the murder was committed by somebody who wanted to take vengeance against the victim.  A group of workers near the victim’s house had threatened her when she protested against their lewd remarks. According to Laila,  at least two persons were directly involved in the murder.