Kottayam: The trial in the sensational Kevin murder case is on at the local court here. Tension gripped the court room as an accused made murder threat to a witness during cross examination on Friday.
Witness no. 26 Liju was threatened by the eighth accused Nishad during trial.
As soon as Liju recalled what was told to him by their gang leader, Sanu Chacko, the night Kevin was killed, Nishad gestured to indicate 'threat of murder'.
"Kevin has been done away with, the other one will be let off," Liju had repeated what Sanu, the brother of Kevin's wife Neenu, had told him that fateful night.
The court directed police to take a case against Nishad instantly. The court also summoned Nishad’s lawyer and directed him to make sure such things do not repeat.
Liju’s cross-examination began after prime witness Anish’s concluded on Thursday.
Liju is Neenu’s family friend. His claim that Sanu called to say about Kevin’s death made him an important witness. The prosecution chose to introduce Lijo early in the trial to stress that Kevin was indeed murdered. He positively identified fourth accused Riyas.
Liju recalls
He said Neenu’s father Chacko John and brother Sanu had talked about her relationship with Kevin. Chacko had shown him images of Kevin on phone, which were then forwarded to Sanu living abroad. Lijo was also in the team that left for Kottayam in search of Neenu. Chacko had called him saying Neenu was unwell. He also identified Chacko’s voice on a phone call record and WhatsApp messages with Sanu.
Liju explained in detail his journeys from Kollam to Kottayam with the accused in search of Neenu and Kevin. His statement follows:
A complaint was registered against Kevin at Gandhinagar station. We came to know they were living at relative Anish’s house in Mannanam. Anish was called and asked to come to Mannanam Police Station with Neenu. Kevin brought her to the station. The SI asked Chacko to take Neenu to their house in Kollam, which she declined. She wanted to live with Kevin. Chacko tried to drag her into a car outside. Neenu fell under the car as she struggled to free herself. Kevin intervened to rescue her. The SI then asked Neenu to state her wish to go with Kevin in writing. She did. The SI and Chacko signed on it.
The next day Sanu, who was working abroad, came to Kerala. He went to Kottayam in several cars with friends. He called the same night and said police had stopped him for drunk driving and let them go after paying Rs 2,000. He called again to say Kevin was dead.
Sanu had said he was returning to the Gulf soon as the police were investigating, Liju concluded.
Today in court
Neenu, an important witness, will appear before the court today. Other witnesses called on to testify today are the manager of the lodge next to the medical college (witness 23) and Joseph Jacob (Rajan -11).
