Pathanamthitta, Kerala: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is resuming its investigation into the eight-year-old missing case of Jesna Maria, daughter of James from Pathanamthitta. The agency will operate from a temporary office set up at the Erumeli Public Works Department guest house, with keys handed over on Monday afternoon. The office is expected to be functional within two days.

Jesna, a BCom student at Saint Dominic’s College, Kanjirappally, vanished on March 22, 2018, while reportedly visiting her cousin in Punchavayal, Mundakayam, Kottayam district. Confirmed reports only place her reaching Erumeli. Despite extensive searches, her whereabouts remain unknown.

Father challenges CBI closure report

The CBI had previously sought to close the case in 2024. Jesna’s father opposed the closure, pointing out gaps in the investigation, including her attendance at an NSS camp, severe bleeding, and key friendships. The agency had rejected these claims, stating polygraph tests on a male friend produced no evidence, and the father had not raised many points during his statements.

The closure report clarified that there was no evidence of Jesna converting to another religion and no involvement of extremist groups. Investigators also examined several suicide spots, unnatural deaths, and areas such as the Lower Periyar dam, but found nothing connected to her disappearance.

Timeline of search and investigations

After Jesna disappeared in 2018, initial probes were led by local police and the crime branch. Widespread searches across Kerala and beyond involved examining nearly 200,000 phone calls. Police had also announced a ₹5 lakh reward for information.

The CBI took over the case in February 2021, following a Kerala High Court order prompted by Jesna’s brother, who alleged local police and crime branch failure. The investigation included scrutiny of 4,000 mobile numbers and the issuance of an Interpol yellow notice at the CBI’s request.

During the inquiry, it was found that Jesna sent a text to a friend saying she was “going to die” shortly before vanishing. However, nothing substantial was uncovered after questioning the friend.

Unresolved questions and family concerns

The CBI’s 50-page report to the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Thiruvananthapuram, confirmed Jesna’s current status remains unknown. The agency found no evidence supporting claims of forced conversion by fundamentalist groups. Jesna had minimal social media presence and did not use a smartphone, complicating tracing efforts.

Former officials, including Pathanamthitta SP K G Simon and crime branch head Tomin J Thachankary, had previously indicated that certain details of Jesna’s disappearance could not be disclosed. Jesna’s family also expressed dissatisfaction with the initial local investigation, a concern partly confirmed by the CBI.

With the new office opening in Erumeli this week, the CBI has signaled a renewed attempt to uncover fresh leads as the case approaches its eighth anniversary on March 22.