Kothamangalam case: SIT may arraign accused's parents

Time of India

2 days ago

Kochi: The special investigation team (SIT) probing the death of a 23-year-old woman, who alleged in her suicide note that her boyfriend compelled her to convert religion, is likely to include his family members as accused.
A nine-member SIT, led by Muvattupuzha DSP, is investigating the case. Her boyfriend, Rameez, 24, was arrested on charges of sexual intercourse through deceitful means and abetment to suicide under BNS.
"Our investigation now is focused on Rameez's parents as well as a friend of the accused, Sahad, named in the woman's suicide note. Whether more relatives were involved is also under probe. We are trying to confirm if they abetted the suicide in any way.
A report to add them as accused will be filed after questioning them," said a senior officer, adding that efforts were on to trace the family members who were at large.
The family has demanded a probe by National Investigation Agency (NIA). They have sent letters to the chief minister and the state police chief demanding an NIA probe. The woman's mother has raised suspicion of her daughter becoming a victim of an attempted forceful conversion by the accused.
The woman's mother has alleged that her daughter was locked up by the accused and his family in their house, where she was physically assaulted. Meanwhile, police maintain that prima facie there was no organized effort to forcefully convert her and that the demand to convert was made as part of marriage discussions between the families.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Happy Independence Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!