Kerala honour killing: 10, including brother of girl, found guilty of murdering Kevin Joseph
In May 2018, Kevin Joseph, a Dalit Christian youth, was murdered by the girl’s relatives.
In Short
- Relatives of Neenu Chacko were against her relationship with Kevin Joseph, a Dalit Christian
- In May 2018 Neenu’s relatives kidnapped Kevin; his body was later found in a river
- Initially police refused to act; public outrage forced them to start investigations
In a landmark judgment, Kottayam Principal Sessions Court has found 10 accused in a dishonour killing case guilty. The court categorically stated that this is a clear case of dishonour killing.
The list of those convicted includes the brother of girl. Four accused, including the girl's father, have been acquitted citing lack of evidence.
The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Saturday.
Kevin Joseph, a 23-year-old Dalit Christian was in a relationship with 21-year-old Neenu Chacko. Both of them decided to get married amidst strong resentment from within her family.
In May 2018, the couple had filed an application for marriage. Though Neenu's family challenged the application; however, the issue was settled in the presence of police.
On May 26 midnight, Kevin along with his friend Aneesh was abducted allegedly by Neenu's brother and his friends from his home in Kottayam.
Though Neenu approached the local police for help, they allegedly refused to intervene. The police refused to act even on the second day citing VIP duty. The police negligence came to light as media intervened in the issue.
Later that day, police launched a statewide hunt for Kevin and the accused in the case. On the night of May 27, Aneesh managed to escape from the custody of abductors.
On May 28 morning, Kevin's body was fished out of a river in Kollam district. Kevin's death led to massive public outrage forcing the government to act tough on the police officers who failed to discharge their duties. Officers including a sub-inspector and an additional sub-inspector were suspended in connection with this.
A special court was set up to fast track the hearing in the case. Following the murder Neenu decided to stay with Kevin's family. During the course of the trial Neenu and Kevin's friend Aneesh turned out to be the key witnesses, which helped the prosecution pin down on the accused.