Forensic experts: Sister Abhaya in Kerala was murdered, died of head injury

Abhaya, a nun of Pious X convent in Kottayam, Kerala, was found dead in a well in the premises of the convent on March 27, 1992.  The trial of the controversial Sister Abhaya case began on August 26. 

Thiruvananthapuram: The forensic expert Dr V Kanthswami has revealed at a CBI special court in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, that there was no evidence of suicide in Sister Abhaya death case and she died of head injuries. Abhaya, a nun of Pious X convent in Kottayam, was found dead in a well inside the premises of the convent on March 27, 1992.  The trial of the controversial Sister Abhaya case began on August 26. 

According to Kanthaswami, no evidence of suicide was found as suggested by the crime branch. According to him, there were six bruises found on Abhaya's head and one among them was fatal. He also added that the bruise might have been caused by a strong blow on the head using a weapon like a hand axe.

Kanthaswami further revealed that the postmortem report of Abhaya did not mention the presence of water in her lungs. He also pointed out that the hands of a person, who died drowning, will be clasped tightly and will contain mud or grass. However, no such evidence was collected from Abhaya's body. Kanthaswami’s statement solidifies that Abhaya was murdered. 

It was initially thought to be a case of suicide by the CBI. It was later concluded that it was murder. The probe agency had charge-sheeted Catholic priest Thomas Kottoor and Sister Stefi. They were charged with murder, destruction of evidence, criminal conspiracy and other charges in 2008. Another accused, Father Jose Poothrukayil, was let off by the CBI court last year after it found there was no evidence against him.