Friends struggle to come to terms with Asha death

Friends struggle to come to terms with Asha death

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Kochi

IN connection with the death of Asha Benny, a 42-year-old woman who reportedly jumped into the Periyar river at Kottuvally in North Paravoor, the probe team on Wednesday revised the charge in the first information report (FIR) to abetment of suicide against the suspects: Retired police officer Pradeep Kumar and his wife Bindu. The charge was altered from unnatural death following allegations of harassment related to moneylending, supported by the recovery of a suicide note.

"We are currently proceeding with evidence collection and recording statements. The suspects are absconding and a search is under way," said Shojo Varghese, station house officer at North Paravoor police station. He added that the investigation is still in the early stages, and further details cannot be disclosed.

Ernakulam district police chief M Hemalatha confirmed that a "special investigation team (SIT), led by the Munambam DySP, has been formed to handle the case. On the first day, the team collected evidence from the victim's residence and launched a detailed probe."

A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that even Asha's husband and close relatives were unaware of her financial dealing and that it emerged only after her first suicide attempt.