HC directs CBI to produce evidence on Sr Abhaya case

Kochi, Nov 26 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the CBI to produce details regarding evidence against the three arrested, Fr Thomas Kottur, Fr Jose Puthrukkayil and Sr Sephi, in connection with the sister Abhaya murder case.

Justice R Basant directed that the details should be filed before the court in a sealed cover before 1500 hrs, tomorrow.

The directive was issued while hearing petitions filed by the trio challenging the order of CJM, Ernakulam, remanding them to CBI custody till December 2.

The court also orally expressed its displeasure by asking the CBI, ''Are you giving loopholes so that the culprits can escape.'' The court, however, cautioned that the investigation should not be derailed due to controversy regarding the suicide of retired police officer V V Augustine yesterday.

Augustine, who conducted the inquest on the body of Sr Abhaya, had allegedly tampered with the vital evidence relating to the case.

The court will pronounce judgement on the petitions on November 28.

UNI XR MA AE KP1853