CBI furnish evidences against priests: Sister Abhaya murder

The controversial Abhaya murder case is taking new turns, as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday said, it had evidences to prove the involvement of clergy people, the recently arrested nun and two priests from Kerala's Kottayam district.

CBI told the court that it has substantial proof of the involvement of Fr Jose Pithrikkayil, Fr Thomas M Kottor and Sister Seffy, who they say were often frequenting the St. Pius Convent, where Sister Abhaya was murdered on March 27, 1992.

Three priests - A V Michael, Thomas Thzeppilly and T Jose - had informed the CBI that they had seen the two priests "roaming" near the St Pius convent, the counsel claimed.

CBI stated that "Abhaya had witnessed sexual act of the two priests with a lady partner and this had been corroborated in the narco analysis test."

In addition, photos taken by Mr K K Varghese, after the body was pulled out from the well, revealed that there were injuries on her neck.

Last month, the suicide of former additional sub-inspector who prepared the FIR, says the CBI, proved he faced "immense pressure" from a senior police officer to tamper records in the case.

Meanwhile, facing embarrassment, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council has sought an "unprejudiced" investigation into the case.

Its secretary Fr Stephen Alathara said the present course of the investigation was only aimed at defaming the Church's image.