Koodathayi murders: Probe team awaits forensic result to ascertain presence of cyanide in 4 victims

Vadakara: The team investigating the Koodathayi serial murder case is awaiting the crucial report from the Central Forensic Lab in Hyderabad to ascertain the presence of cyanide in the body of four murder victims.

Earlier, a team led by Rural Crime Branch DySP R Harikumar had sent the exhumed samples for examination in Hyderabad after getting permission from Kozhikode Prinicipal Section Court.

The main accused, Jolly Joseph, is alleged to have committed a series of murders, beginning with her mother-in-law Annamma in 2002, father-in-law Tom Thomas in 2008, Roy Thomas in 2011, Annamma's brother Mathew Manjadiyil in 2014, Alphine in 2014, and Sili, wife of her second husband, in 2016.  According to the investigation team, Jolly gave poison to Annamma and cyanide to kill others. The post mortem was conducted only on the body of Roy. It was confirmed that he had consumed cyanide.

Therefore, the samples were collected from other bodies in 2020 to identify the presence of cyanide. However, the pandemic delayed the tests. If cyanide presence is found, then it would prove to be a shred of crucial evidence in the case.