Harikumar retracts statement in Balaramapuram murder case, ‘I did not kill her, seeks treatment for mental illness’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The mental health department of the medical college hospital said Harikumar, the accused in killing the two-year-old girl in Balaramapuram, has no mental issues. Harikumar, who was in jail, was examined by experts from the psychiatric department as per the court's directions. A report will be submitted to the court after two days of observation.

The investigation team demanded his custody for five days, but the court did not accept it. The court requested a certificate of a psychiatrist as he expressed mental disturbance in the court. He was taken to the medical college hospital yesterday afternoon, but the certificate was not received. The accused was subjected to examination today. While the custody application was being considered, Harikumar retracted his statement, cried and sought treatment.

Meantime, the child's mother Sreethu, arrested for forgery, financial fraud and jailed in Attakkulangara Women's Jail, will be taken into custody today. Sreethu's mother Sreekala was questioned earlier by the Neyyattinkara and Marayamuttam SHOs in the complaint. Sreethu was remanded on the complaint of swindling Rs 10 lakh by promising J Shiju of Nellivila, a job as a driver in the devaswom board.