Kerala rape and murder: Autopsy confirms 38 wounds, rape

Kochi: The autopsy report of the 30-year-old law student found murdered at her residence last week in Perumbavoor has confirmed that she was subjected to brutal torture and rape, police sources said yesterday.

Despite heavy police presence at a protest rally outside Kerala House in New Delhi yesterday, activists demanding justice for the victim refused to back down. Pic/PTI

"There were 38 wounds on her body. The report has also indicated rape," a source said without elaborating further on the report submitted by the Forensic Department of Alappuzha Medical College.

Police are now planning to send her viscera for further chemical and forensic analysis. They had earlier said the woman, who hails from a poor family, was subjected to rape, and brutal assault (multiple stabbings in the head, neck and privates) using a sharp weapon after being strangled on April 28.

Besides, the police also released a sketch of the suspect believed to have committed the heinous crime even as the investigators question one of her neighbours who was taken into custody from Kannur on Tuesday evening.

‘Probe on right track'
Commenting on the developments in the case, investigating officers claimed that the probe to trace the killer is on the right track.

"We are unable to give details of what we are doing and what's happening on the probe, but can say that it's going on the right track," Additional Director General of Police K Padmakumar told reporters here.

Govt promises job
Through a press release, Kerala government yesterday announced a solatium of R10 lakh to the victim's family and a government job to her sister. Also, with many persons coming forward to extend financial help to the family to build a house, the Ernakulam collector has been asked to coordinate and provide all assistance to the family in this regard.