Two priests, nun arrested in Sister Abhaya murder case

For 16 years, the controversial probe on Sister Abhaya's death has resulted unproductive. On Wednesday however it took a different turn, as the CBI once again took over the case arresting two Christian priests and a nun into custody on charges of murder.

Sister Abhaya, a resident of Pious X Hostel in Kottayam, Kerala, was found dead March 27, 1992. In November 1996, the CBI concluded that the death was a homicide but the murderer remained untraced. CBI alleged that the police deliberately destroyed the evidence and termed it suicide due to the political influence in the case.

The arrest of Father Thomas M Kottur (61), Chancellor of the Kottayam Dioceses and Father Dr Jose Puthrukkayil (56), Principal of the St Pius Xth college, Rajapuram, Kasaragod and Sister Sephi (45) from Kottayam by CBI's Kochi unit has shocked entire nation, including the Christian community.

The three have been charged under IPC Section 302 (murder) after being produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court, Ernakulam.

CBI Joint Diretor Ashok Kumar told reporters here that the agency has made arrests after receiving fresh and concrete evidence against them.

Kottayam archdiocese meanwhile in a press release said the facts leading to the arrests were "mysterious". It also said the "innocent" priests and the nun suffered physical and mental harassment for 16 years as police linked them with the case without having ample evidences.