Kerala's Nirbhaya: HC rules out CBI probe in Perumbavoor rape-murder case

The Perumbavoor rape victim's kin had demanded a CBI inquiry into the case.

Representational Image

Thiruvananthapuram: In a huge setback to the investigation process, the Kerala High Court on Monday refused to entrust investigation to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Perumbavoor rape and murder case.

A 29-year-old Dalit girl, who was a law student, was allegedly subjected to rape and brutal assault using sharp edged weapons before being murdered at her house at nearby Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district almost a month back, i.e. on April 28.

Her body had at least 30 injuries, including on the private parts. Reportedly, the assault on her stomach was such that the small intestine had spilled out. 

The Perumbavoor rape incident was dubbed as "Kerala's Nirbhaya" for its chilling similarities to the 2012 gangrape of a young Delhi student on a moving bus. 

The incident had its echo in Parliament with members demanding "exemplary punishment" for the culprits, besides triggering widespread protests across the state.

The victim's family had alleged several lapses in the investigation carried out by the state police and had demanded CBI enquiry into the matter.