The entry of Hi-Tech Crime Enquiry Cell professionally supported by the prestigious Cyberdome of the Kerala Police is likely to unravel the details of a number of mysterious telephone calls and other suspected social media communications by Jolly Shaju, the prime suspect in the Koodathayi serial murder case in which six persons lost their lives. In the reconstituted 35-member investigation squad, there are two officers experienced in tracking Call Detail Records (CDR) and cybercrimes.
As the lack of incriminating evidence continues to be a big challenge for the District Crime Branch squad in five out of the six suspicious deaths, the CDR analysis to be done by the hi-tech cell will be crucial for gaining some supportive facts, which can establish the links between some of the suspects in the cases. The hi-tech cell will also probe whether the suspects had any fake social media accounts.
Investigators have already found out the details of multiple SIM cards used by the prime accused to contact her close associates. So far, the hi-tech cell has tracked the details of four SIM cards, which were obtained in the names of different persons.
Mainly, the details of suspicious calls made by Jolly before and after each of the deaths will be examined by the squad.
They will be supported by cyber forensic experts from the Cyberdome project in Thiruvananthapuram.
An officer who was entrusted with the launch of the Cyberdome project in Kozhikode city too will assist the team.
Police sources said a BSNL employee who reportedly arranged the SIM cards had already been grilled by the investigation squad. Though he claimed that he maintained only friendship with Jolly, it would be verified again by the hi-tech cell by analysing the calls.
Possible use of social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook messenger by the suspects too would be checked.
Obtaining the details of some of the earlier journeys by Jolly without properly communicating with her family members too will be possible by analysing the CDR. Police sources said she had frequently taken part in ‘excursions’ in the name of National Institute of Technology-Calicut by presenting herself as a staff there. The CDR analysis will also help the police recover details about other persons who accompanied her in such journeys.
Crime Branch sources said the focussed inquiry by the hi-tech cell would help reveal the suspected links she maintained with some revenue officers who allegedly helped her secure ownership of the ancestral property of her father-in-law.
