Justice for Jisha still in limbo, no arrests made even after nine days

It has been nine days since Jisha was brutally killed. Not a single arrest has been made till date. Though police say that they are at a crucial stage of investigation, both the media and protestors allege that the police are apparently clueless.

Here’s a quick TNM timeline of events:

April 28 - Around 5.40 pm, as per the statements given by a trio of (women) neighbours, a cry is heard from Jisha’s house. Based on that, the police assume that that it was around this time that Jisha was murdered. 

April 28 - After 6.00 pm, few of the neighbours reportedly see a man in yellow shirt running out from Jisha’s house. At 8.00 pm, Jisha’s mother –Rajeswari- returns home, finds Jisha’s body and screams, following which neighbours informs the police. 

April 29 - By 11 am, the police complete inquest and body is sent for post mortem to Alapuzha Medical College. After autopsy, Jisha’s body is cremated in a public crematorium in Perumbavoor.

May 2 – The day the outside world gradually woke up to the incident. Jisha’s friends and teachers stage protests, social media takes up the issue, mainstream media latches on. Investigation officer DySP Anil Kumar confirms that Jisha was brutally raped and severe injuries were found all over her body. 

- Preliminary investigation reveals that she was sexually assaulted before the murder. A sharp object was used to stab her multiple times. Her intestines too were ripped out. 

May 3 - Possibility of gang-rape ruled out. Police say the crime was committed by one person. 

- One suspect taken into custody from Kannur. Forensic reports however say his fingerprints do not match with samples taken from the house.

- Police release sketch based on eyewitness accounts. Rajeswari reveals that they were under constant threats from neighbours. 

- Massive protests all over the state by different women groups, activists and political parties.

May 4 - Postmortem report confirms sexual assault with 38 wounds found all over her body.

- Allegations that a PG student carried out postmortem procedures surface. Alapuzha Medical College Forensic Department clarifies that the PG student only assisted the procedure. Further investigation ordered. 

May 5 - Investigation team re-constituted. DySP Anil Kumar removed from the team. Crime detachment DySP AB Jijimon assumes charge.

- 2 construction workers taken into custody. Phone call records show one of the workers had called Jisha several times in February. 

- The team inspects Jisha’s house and speaks to neighbours.

- A high-level meeting held late on Thursday chaired by TP Senkumar. Officers -from other districts- who had handled similar cases also present. 

May 6 - Police term Jisha’s death a planned murder done out of rivalry. ADGP Padmakumar tells media that the investigation is at a crucial stage.

- High Court refuses to interfere in investigation while considering a PIL seeking CBI enquiry. 

- As per latest reports, three people including a bus driver are currently in police custody.