Malappuram : Police arrive at Youth Congress Mandalam Secretary Vishnu’s house to collect further evidence in the murder of Kudumbasree activist Sujitha from Tuvur, who was found buried behind his house in a shallow grave early this week. Vishnu and other accused were given into 2-day police custody for evidence gathering.
The suspects were taken into custody from Mancheri court Thursday evening and transported to Karuvarakund police station. Police escorted Vishnu to his house Friday morning. Also accused in the murder are Vishnu’s brothers Visakh and Vivek, father Muthu and a friend Mohammed Shahin. At this point, police are not sure if there might be more persons involved in the case. In collecting evidences, the investigation team is trying to plug holes in the version the accused offered during questioning.
According to findings so far, police believe Sujitha’s mobile phone as deliberately smashed and discarded. She was murdered on 11 August.
Vishnu was in the habit of borrowing gold from women which he would then pawn or sell for his money needs. He followed a pattern of taking jewelry from one to repay the other. Unbeknownst to each, Vishnu took jewelry from several in this manner. And when debts piled around, he kept away from his temporary job at the Tuvur panchayat office under Employment Guarantee Scheme. According to police, Vishnu has a drug habit.
Sujitha worked as Agriculture Resource person for Kumdumbasree, meaning her activities mostly revolved around Krishi Bhavan. She was agent to the farmers magazine named Kerala Karshakan as well. On a typical day, Sujitha remains at Krishi Bhavan office until noon, then leaves for field work in wards around.
On 11 August, Sujitha left Krishi Bhavan at 11 am. Her family reported her missing after she failed to show back from work in the evening that day. During a police search, Sujitha’s body would be discovered buried in the backyard of Vishnu’s home on the 21st.
The investigation team headed by CK Nassar comprises 19 members. Perinthalmanna DySP M Santhoshkumar is in charge of the probe. The District Police Chief S Sujithdas is overseeing progress in the case on daily basis.
