When Ameerul Islam, the key accused in the rape and murder of 30-year-old Jisha from Perumbavoor was produced before the magistrate on June 30, he said that he does not have any complaints to raise.
However, days after the special investigation team submitted the chargesheet in the case naming him as the only accused, Ameerul has denied committing the crime.
“I did not kill her, my friend Anar did,” Ameerul said before the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court on Tuesday.
He made the statement while the court was considering his bail application. However, according to reports, the court maintained that as it was considering his bail plea, it did not record his statement.
The court denied him bail, validating the prosecution's arguement that Ameerul might flee if he is granted bail.
He has been booked under Sections 449, 376 and 302 of the IPC, Section 3(2)(V)of SC/ST (PA)Act 1989 and Section 3 (1) (w)(I and II) SC/ST (POA) Amendment act 2015.
While being taken away from the court, Ameerul was asked by reporters about the whereabouts of Anar.
"The police know where Anar is," Ameerul retorted.
Ameerul's brother Badar-Ul Islam had on Sunday told media that his brother had no involvement in the crime. Saying that Ameerul did not even know Jisha before, he said that Ameerul's friend (Anar) was responsible for the murder.
“Ameerul told me that his friend killed Jisha and that he did not have any part in it. Ameerul did not even know her. This friend had issues with Jisha’s mother and took Ameerul along with him to Jisha’s house. They were both under the influence of alcohol,” Badar told the media.
30-year-old law student Jisha was raped and brutally killed at her residence on April 28. Her murder had led to protests across the country, with anger spilling on to the streets of Kerala.