Sister Abhaya murder case: Priest and nun found guilty after 28 years
CBI court verdict
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Thiruvananthapuram – A special CBI court on Tuesday pronounced a Catholic priest Thomas Kottoor and nun Sephy guilty of the murder of Sister Abhaya that occurred 28 years ago. Sister Abhaya lived in one of the convents in Kottayam. On 27th March 1992 at 4:15 AM, sister Abhaya went to the kitchen to drink water when she saw Father Poothrukkayil, Father Thomas Kottoor and sister Sephy in a compromising position. In a bid to keep their immoral deed a secret, the three killed sister Abhaya and dumped her body into a well. One of the accused, Father Poothrukkayil was acquitted 2 years ago due to lack of evidence.
The court in its verdict said that the charges against the two are finalised based on the evidence. At present, both accused are in judicial custody. The verdict was passed by Justice Sanal Kumar of a Special CBI court. Punishment will be pronounced on 23rd December.
Evidence tampered to hide the crime!
#Kerala | "Father Thomas Kottoor, Sister Sefi convicted in 1992 #SisterAbhaya murder case"
Read more about #abhayacase herehttps://t.co/48Fg4eLPBv
— Outlook Magazine (@Outlookindia) December 22, 2020
Priest Kottoor used to teach Psychology at BCM college in Kottayam. He was also a secretary to erstwhile Bishop. He was also a Chancellor in Catholic Diocese; whereas sister Sephy lived in the same hostel as sister Abhaya. The two accused are also charged with tampering with the evidence to hide their crime. A committee was formed to deliver justice to sister Abhaya. The only living member of this committee and a human rights activist Jomon Puthenpurackal said that sister Abhaya finally got justice, her soul will now rest in peace. This incident shows that even if you have money and unlimited power, you cannot play with justice, he added.
Act against the concerned officials of Crime Branch!
Primary investigation in this case was done by the Police while further investigation was done by the Crime Branch. Crime Branch stated in its closure report that sister Abhaya had committed suicide. This resulted in widespread protests and the case was transferred to the CBI. Strict action needs to be taken against the concerned individuals for tampering with the evidence and protecting the criminals! Enquiry must also be done as to whose directions the Police and the Crime Branch were following to close this case! |