The probe into the mysterious disappearance of Smitha, a newly-wed Indian woman from an apartment in Dubai 10 years ago, has received a shot in the arm with the Crime Branch team tracing a friend of Sabu Antony, the key accused in the case.
Officials said Sony, a native of Palluruthy in Kochi had given a detailed statement regarding the developments on September 3, 2005, the day on which Smitha went missing.
As per the statement, Sabu had called up Sony, his colleague in Dubai, around 9 am and said that his wife Smitha was missing. Following this, Sony rushed to Sabu’s apartment and on reaching there, Sabu showed him the photo copy of a letter by Smitha, stating that she had eloped with her paramour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Later, Sabu also sought the help off Sony to go to the police station to report the incident.
“As per his statement, Sony also met Devayani at the apartment and picked up an argument with her. Another person who had been working with Sabu was also present at the apartment at this point of time,” officials said.
Meanwhile, the CB team on Monday conducted group interview in which K G Simon, the investigating official, heard from witness Devayani, who was arrested last week, Sony, Maxon a cousin of Smitha and Sabu, the prime accused. According to officials, there were similarities in the accounts given by Devayani, Sony and Maxon.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, Judicial first class magistrate court-V, Mattancherry has scheduled to record Devayan’s statement under Section 164 (recording of confessions and statements) of the CrPC this week.
According to officials, Devayani, 44, and Sabu Antony, Smitha’s husband and key accused in the case, were reportedly in a live-in relationship before Antony married Smitha.After getting married, Antony and his wife reportedly shared the apartment with Devayani.
Judicial first class magistrate court-V, Mattancherry has scheduled to record Devayan’s statement under Section 164 of the CrPC this week.