Crime Branch to take over Shamna Tasnim probe

Kochi: The Crime Branch wing of Kerala Police is set to take over the probe into death of medico Shamna Tasnim of Ernakulam Government Medical College from Kochi CIty Police. An assurance to this effect was given by Director General of Police Lokanath Behra to father of Shamna, K.A. Abootty who met the former at the state capital on Friday. Abootty had expressed his dissatisfaction over the probe being conducted by Binoy M, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thrikkakara who comes under Kochi City Police Commissioner.

At a press conference in Kochi on Thursday, Abootty had demanded that a woman IPS officer be entrusted with the probe. Abootty told DC that he did not press with the demand of a woman IPS officer conducting the probe before the DGP on Friday. “I want a fair investigation into my daughter's death under suspicious circumstances. The report of the three-member panel led by Joint Director of Medical Education has proved medical negligence in the case. The current police investigation into the case is not happening in the right direction. The DGP assured me that a fair investigation will be conducted by the Crime Branch which I accepted,” said Mr Abootty.