New team to probe Kerala Dalit student's murder case

The Kerala government on Wednesday announced a new investigation team to probe the murder of Dalit law graduate Jisha in Perumbavoor near Kochi.

Briefing reporters after the first Cabinet meeting of the new Left Democratic government in the state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said ADGP B Sandhya will lead the new investigation team.

The police team investigating the murder of 30-year-old Jisha in late April is yet to make a breakthrough; despite the official line that the probe is on course, details of the culprits remain elusive. “Concerns have been raised on serious lapses right from the start of the investigation,” Vijayan said.

The chief minister said construction of the proposed home for Jisha’s family will be completed in 45 days and employment announced by the previous government for Jisha’s sister will be expedited. The government also announced a Rs-5,000 monthly pension for Jisha’s mother.

Re-look on decisions
The new government is set to have a re-look at the controversial decisions taken by the previous Cabinet during its final days, ignoring serious environmental concerns.

The controversial liquor policy formulated by the previous government was not discussed during the first Cabinet meeting.