Carol’s murder: Cops to take mother's DNA to match with recovered body

Carol Misquitta’s body was found in a highly decomposed state on February 3 near Waghoba Ghat in Palghar

The Palghar police are leaving no stone unturned in a bid to make the murder case of Vile Parle-based Pinky Misquitta alias Carol, watertight. They are planning to take a DNA sample from her mother Catherine, to scientifically ascertain that the recovered decomposed body matches with the woman whose missing complaint was registered at Santacruz police station on January 26.

Carol's body was found in a highly decomposed state on February 3 near Waghoba Ghat in Palghar, where she was brutally killed by her boyfriend, Zico Misquitta, and his accomplice Kumar Babu Devendran in the wee hours of January 25. Her killers had also tried to smash her head to deface her.

She was brutally killed by her boyfriend, Zico Misquitta (in blue suit), and his accomplice Kumar Babu Devendran

A police officer told mid-day that though Catherine has identified Carol's body through a tattoo on her body, genetically crooked toes, and clothes, but, "We want to scientifically prove that the recovered body belongs to the daughter of Catherine." "We want to secure conviction in the sensitive murder case. We don't want to take a chance as she (Carol) was brutally murdered," said another officer attached to Palghar police.

"We have requested the bereaved mother Catherine to visit our police station at the earliest, so that the DNA fingerprinting can be done to get the scientific report. We are expecting Catherine to visit us this week, as she was busy with her daughter's last rites," said the officer. A forensic expert told mid-day that a blood sample from her mother (Catherine) is sufficient to match with the serum bone or teeth. "There is enough blood in the tooth or serum bone of a highly decomposed body to match the DNA sample. The report comes generally in three days," said the expert.

More than 500 people joined a candle light march on Sunday seeking justice for Carol

Police sources have also told mid-day that the parents of Zico are likely to be called in by Palghar police for questioning. "We have received a two-page letter which reportedly Carol had written to Zico after Christmas, though the date is not mentioned," said the police. On Saturday, mid-day had published the two-page letter which was also given to Santacruz police by Catherine and social activist Anita Shetty; but the police allegedly did nothing.

‘I tried to reconcile them'

Talking to mid-day, Catherine said, "He (Zico) would always fight with my daughter, as he was pursuing another girl. I had tried my best to reconcile them and he promised me that he would marry only Carol. But his mother was not happy with his relationship with my daughter." A source said Zico was dating two women, and "this was the prime reason over the fight with Carol."

"Her (Carol's) father died when she was three. I single-handedly raised her despite all odds. Mere budhape ka sahaara cheen lia…usko faansi milni chahiye (He took away my only support. He should be hanged)," said a choked Catherine. Taking on Santacruz police, Catherine said, "Mumbai police advertise their Nirbhaya squad… but only I know the ground reality. Had the Santacruz police acted swiftly, at least the body of my daughter would not have decomposed."

‘Case must be fast tracked'

Social activist Godfrey Pimenta has demanded fast-tracking of the case. "Carol's murder by Zico Misquitta and his accomplice Kumar Devendran is the most heinous crime in recent times and the state government cannot be a mute spectator to such a crime. They particularly should pay attention to the botched up investigation by Santacruz police, though the family of the victim pleaded them about Zico Misquitta's involvement in the case. The police officers treated the case in most casual and routine matter," Pimenta said.

"Under the National Mission for safety of women, the state governments have been requested to fast track the completion of trial in such cases. The union Ministry of Home Affairs has already brought out Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 to enhance women's safety. We demand that this case too be referred to a fast track court for speedier delivery of justice. and the guilty be brought to justice in time bound manner. We also demand appointment of Special Public Prosecutor for this case and the suspension of concerned personnel of the Santacruz police station for laxity in the matter," added Pimenta.

Over 500 people joined a candle light march on Sunday to express solidarity with the bereaved family. People were seen carrying placards reading, ‘Hang the killers', ‘Nothing less than death penalty', ‘No mercy', ‘Her blood is on their hands, punish criminals', ‘We believe in peace, but also in justice', etc. The march started at St. Francis Xavier's church where Carol is buried, and ended at Vile Parle West, her residence.