TVM air pistol attack: Doctor's attack aimed at hurting victim's husband

Thiruvananthapuram: The woman doctor arrested for a premeditated attack that left another woman injured in Thiruvananthapuram had been planning it for over a year, police said.

Dr Deepthimol Jose (37), taken into custody on Tuesday evening by Vanchiyoor police, committed the crime of shooting Shini, a native of Vanchiyoor, with an airgun in broad daylight. The motive, according to police, was her enmity with the victim’s husband.

Police said Shini’s husband, Sujith, was once close friends with Deepthi. Sujith and Deepthi met when Sujith was a PRO at a private hospital in Kollam where Deepthi worked. However, after Sujith moved abroad for work, Deepthi’s attempts to maintain the friendship were rejected, leading to psychological distress and anger. Police believe Deepthi targeted Shini to emotionally hurt Sujith.

The scheme of the attack began over a year ago. It was meticulously planned, including acquiring a fake licence plate, purchasing the air pistol online, and watching movies and instructional videos on how to use it. Deepthi was also familiar with Sujith’s residence, which helped her in executing and escaping from the attack.

Police probe

Police examined around 200 hours of camera footage, which revealed that the car Deepthi was travelling in had reached Kollam. Police also interrogated Shini's family members and her husband, who expressed suspicions about Deepthi's involvement. Deepthi’s phone records were also reviewed. Following the probe, Deepthi was taken into custody by Vanchiyoor Police at around 12.15 pm on Tuesday from the hospital premises during her duty hours.

The case involves charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of arms. The court has remanded the doctor.

Day of crime

Last Sunday, at around 8.30 am, Deepthi, with her face covered, came to Shini's house and opened fire. She came to the house on the pretext of delivering a courier and fired at Shini with an air pistol. The bullet hit Shini’s finger as she tried to protect herself from the attack.

Deepthi's profile

Deepthi, who has worked in various places since earning her MD in Pulmonology, is currently employed as a critical care specialist at a private hospital in Kollam. Her husband is also a doctor.