Jisha murder case

The Jisha murder case was a rape and murder crime that shook the Indian state of Kerala during April 2016 and it went on to become the most publicized crime case during the Kerala Legislative elections on May 2016.

Victim background

Jisha, a 29-year-old law student at the Government Law College, Ernakulam, was found murdered on April 28, 2016 at her home near a canal in Perumbavoor in Ernakulam. She was found dead at her house on April 28 8.30 pm by her mother Rajeswari. She was living with her mother who works as a casual labourer. Her father, Pappu, separated from the family stays alone. Police was puzzled in the initial stage with the paranoid mother, a daily wage worker and the dysfunctional family, they also had no close contacts/cordial relationship with the neighbors or relatives, this affected the case's progress initially among other factors.^[1][2]

Murder

The police found the body mutilated and disturbingly sliced. Forensics concluded the body injuries showed violence, possible torture and presence of alcohol. The report also noted that the culprit had used a sharp weapon to disembowel her. Jisha was stabbed over 30 times. Her chest was pierced with a dagger. The severe injury inflicted on her neck led to her death, according to the postmortem report. The postmortem was conducted at the Alappuzha Government Medical College.

According to forensic officials, samples of blood and saliva recovered have been sent for forensic examination, and DNA is recorded for matching. According to the police officers, preliminary investigation revealed Jisha probably was murdered when she resisted the rape attempt. The investigators also probed into migrant workers in the area for any clue about the murder.

Case impact

The crime took place in the backdrop of the Kerala Legislative elections, and hence gained momentum and focus from political parties. As a Dalit woman brutally murdered in her home in Perumbavoor, Justice for Jisha was the hashtag (#JusticeForJisha)^[3] used in the social media during April 2016 to quicken efforts for justice to Jisha by politicians and largely by people. The film industry also joined forces in demanding justice for Jisha.^[4] The government has declared to offer a financial consolation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Jisha and a home will be provided for her parents. Also many artists and humanitarians pledged support to the case.^[5]

Arrest of murderer

Through continuous search of the police and involvement of people, the Jisha murder case came through a breakthrough. A citizen hailing from Assam informed his doubts about a worker he knew to the Kerala police; following the lead they picked up the Assamese labourer, and learnt that 24-year-old Ameer-ul-Islam was the culprit and was arrested from Kancheepuram^[6] in Tamil Nadu. He admitted committing the gruesome murder of the woman in Perumbavoor. Police found that the crime was motivated by previous grudge and revenge and committed under the influence of alcohol. The alcoholic assailant observed Jisha's routine and waited to sexually assault her; in that effort and rage he killed her and when she asked for water moments before death he gave her alcohol that he had with him. DNA tests conducted, matched and the police also recovered the knife used by the perpetrator.^[7][8] Police also suspect Anarul Islam's involvement,^[9] a friend of Ameerul Islam who have fled after the murder news. He allegedly escaped from Assam before the arrest.^[10]

Sentencing and aftermath

For premeditated murders, rape, and the use of disabling violent force, the verdict is usually life imprisonment or death sentence.

The case also has motivated the government to structure a policy to halt differentiating people overly as men and women, which creates stereotyped societal divide and asked media to regulate depictions of gender-negative stereotypes to cultivate gender equity, lessen the crimes as a long-term plan to a certain extent and to regulate yellow journalism in forms of discussions and unnecessary probings through media, primarily to minimize the impact of trauma. This case also made the government to actively saddle on the implementation of alcohol prohibition in a phased manner.

References