Retired BSNL manager's murder: Accused partied, celebrated with gang members after committing crime

Kollam: In recent developments in the murder case of retired BSNL manager C. Pappachan, police have uncovered new details about the main suspects, Animon and Hasif, after the crime.

Following the murder, the two suspects fled to Kochi, where they spent time partying and enjoying the nightlife.

The suspects stayed in Vytilla and Thammanam, areas where they had connections with local gang members. Despite different gangs having separate leaders in various districts, some members in Thammanam are friends with multiple groups. These members often provide shelter to those who need to lay low after committing crimes in their hometowns.

Investigations have revealed that Animon visited a hotel in Thammanam both before and after the murder, suggesting strong ties with local gang members. After sending the fourth accused, Anoop, ahead to signal the start of their plan, Animon hit Pappachan with the car, believing the crime would go undetected. The location near the Sree Narayana Convention Center in Asramam was chosen as no CCTV cameras were present in the area. However, a distant house’s CCTV captured footage of the car involved in the crime.

Animon was released on bail after being charged with culpable homicide in Pappachan’s death. But following a complaint from Pappachan’s children, the police reevaluated phone records and past interactions between Animon and Saritha, leading to the arrest of all suspects.

A special investigation team, led by Kollam East CI Anil Kumar, was formed to handle the case. The team includes 15 members, comprising eight Sub-Inspectors (SI), one Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), three Senior Civil Police Officers (CPO) and two CPOs. The City Police Commissioner is closely monitoring the investigation’s progress.

The five suspects are currently being held in separate stations, where their statements have been taken. They will soon be brought together for questioning based on the evidence collected. The police aim to submit a charge sheet by September 7, ensuring no loopholes are missed.

As the investigation progresses, additional team members will be added to the current team if needed. The suspects are believed to have used fake documents to obtain SIM cards, and Saritha, one of the accused, is thought to have considerable knowledge on crime and legal loopholes, being a lawyer.

The custodial period for the first four accused will end on August 17, while Hasif’s custody will end soon. He will be transferred to judicial custody after a medical examination. The police plan to submit an application seeking an extension of Hasif’s custody by three more days.

On Monday, the police, led by SI Dipin, took Animon and Hashif to Kochi to gather evidence from the hotel in Thammanam where they stayed. The lodge manager identified them, and Aadhaar documents used by the suspects were recovered.

The police plan to continue their investigation near the Sree Narayana Convention Center in Asramam and other parts of the city to uncover more evidence related to the case.