Cops are yet to get anywhere near the killers although it’s nearly two weeks since Kothamangalam witnessed the brutal murder of 35-year-old Shoji, a homemaker.
The cops are now citing the nurses’ strike at Kothamangalm Baselios Hospital and the major landslide that hit the Naalam Block in Puthakulam as the cause for the probe delay.
When asked about the delay in the probe, the rural superintendent of police, K.P. Philip, admitted that the two incidents had affected the pace of the murder probe.
“The strike and the landslide were totally unexpected. However, we would continue the probe now and I hope to nab the culprits soon,” he said.
With local police groping, it is learnt that the case will now be transferred to the Crime Branch police.
Shoji’s relatives have approached the Home Ministry, hoping the case would be soon shifted to the CB.
The police has been tracking phone calls of Shoji’s husband Shaji and that of Tony and Sunil, the two workers, who first saw the body. Close relatives and friends of the victim were also being quizzed by the investigation officers. However, no clues have emerged, according to top sources.
Shoji was found murdered, lying in a pool of blood in the dining room at her residence on August 8. The scene of the crime suggests a close relative or friend, with easy access, is behind the killing.