KOCHI: The High Court asked the Crime Branch to scientifically examine the missing links in Mishel Shaji death case and ordered to complete the investigation soon. Highlighting the flaws in the investigation, the court dismissed the petition of Mishel’s father requesting CBI intervention in the case. The court elucidated the evidence which clearly said ‘drowning’ was the cause behind Mishel’s death.

There is no reason to suspect homicide. Therefore, Justice CS Sudha dismissed the petition for a CBI investigation.

The High Court criticised the delay in registering the case by the police and said it was negligent to make the parents run to different police stations in those dreadful hours. Within two months, these matters should be investigated and the final report and charge sheet should be submitted to the trial court.

Mishel Shaji, a student of the CA foundation course in Ernakulam, was found dead in Kochi backwater on March 6, 2017. CCTV visuals also showed Mishel leaving the hostel the evening before and walking through Goshree Bridge before attending prayers at Kaloor church. The police showed lax in proceeding with the case but intensified the investigation after the parents submitted the CCTV visuals.

From an examination of phone records, Cronin Alexander Baby, a native of Piravom and Mishel’s friend, was charged with abetment of suicide. The High Court also stated that the trial court should decide whether Cronin is guilty. It is confirmed that the relationship got severed during the final days and a draft message from Cronin to Mishel was termed as ‘disturbing’ by the High Court.

The police relied on the statement of Amal George, who passed through the Goshree bridge at the time of the incident. However, Mishel’s dress and its colour were not described correctly.

1. The inspection of the embankment was centred on the spot mentioned by the witness under the Goshree 2nd bridge. The bag, watch and shoes were not recovered.

2. There is no truth in the contention of Mishel’s family’s allegation that the witness Amal was produced falsely by the police.

3. 60 SMS messages deleted by the accused youth were not recovered.

4. The body was found near the Mattancherry wharf. The conclusion of the police that the body was washed away as a result of low tide is correct. However, no study has been done to determine how many low tides occurred during the 20 hours the body was in the water.

5. Mishel had bits of carrots in her stomach. Carrots were not used in the hostel kitchen. Even though the family pointed out the possibility of eating out with someone else, police did not investigate.