Sister Abhaya Murder Case: CBI Court Gives Guilty Verdict To Two Accused After 28 Years

A special Central Bureau Investigation court found Father Thomas Kottoor and Sister Sephy guilty in the 1992 Sister Abhaya murder case. Sister Abhaya was found dead in a water well at St Pius X Convent, Kottayam 28 years ago and initially the death was deemed as suicide.

The sentence for punishment will be delivered on Wednesday, reports Indian Express.

Sister Abhaya's murder in 1992

Sister Abhaya was a Catholic nun studying at BCM College in Kottayam, Kerala. She was found dead in a water well on March 27, 1992. Kottoor was a Vicar back then, who taught psychology at the same college where Sister Abhaya studied. He was also the secretary to the then Bishop and later rose to the position of Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese in Kottayam. Sister Sephy stayed at the same hostel as Sister Abhaya and was also the de facto in-charge of the hostel.

As per an NDTV report, Sister Abhaya witnessed Kottoor, Stephy and another priest Father Jose Poothrikkayil in a 'compromising position' on the morning of March 27. Sephy then reportedly hit her with an axe and along with the two other accused, dumped her body in the well.

While the case was initially ruled out as death by suicide, CBI initiated an investigation following protests and petitions. After CBI team completed its investigation, the two priests and the nun were charged with murder, defamation and destruction of evidence.

Also Read: CBI Chargesheet on Hathras Suggests Lapses by Police: Reports

Poothrikkayil was however discharged by the CBI Court last year. He was accused of aiding the convicts in dumping the body. The CBI court held that the prosecution had failed to bring out sufficient evidence to proceed against him. A plea was filed against this verdict in the high court, which was again rejected by the court.

Feature Image Credits: Wikipedia

Sugandha Bora is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.