Fourth suspect in Oyoor abduction case? Police seek further investigation

KOLLAM: The Kollam Rural District Crime Branch has requested further investigation into the kidnapping of a six-year-old girl in Oyoor. This move follows media reports quoting the child’s father, who allegedly suggested the involvement of a fourth person in the abduction. However, the father has since clarified that his statement was misinterpreted and expressed satisfaction with the current investigation.

The kidnapping occurred in November 2023, when the child was abducted from Oyoor. Following an intense police search, she was found abandoned the next day at Ashramam ground in Kollam. The accused in the case are Padmakumar, his wife Anithakumari and their daughter Anupama, all residents of Chathannoor. They were taken into custody and while all three were initially remanded, Anupama was later granted bail to continue her studies.

The police submitted an application to the Kollam Additional Sessions Court, seeking permission to conduct further investigation before the trial begins. According to the police, the request is based on the father's earlier statement, which raised suspicions of a fourth person’s involvement in the abduction. However, the father later retracted his statement, clarifying that it had been twisted by the media.

The Kollam Rural District Crime Branch Chief, M.M. Jose, filed the request for further investigation. The Kollam Additional Sessions Court is set to consider the police application today.