Even as the police have intensified search to trace the man who assaulted a woman in full public view, the Kerala State Women’s Commission (SWC) has launched an independent probe into the episode.
Taking a serious note of the issue, KWC Chairperson M.C. Josephine directed District Police Chief (Kochi City) M.P. Dinesh to expedite the probe. An official statement from the commission said that the police would be constituting a special team to trace the accused.
The chairperson is slated to visit the victim on Monday. She is at present undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kochi.
Meanwhile, the Thripunithura police are groping in the dark even a day after the attack. “We have taken a couple of people into custody but are yet to receive any solid lead to confirm the identity of the suspect,” said Shiju P.S. Circle Inspector, Thripunithura.
CCTV visuals
The police are now examining CCTV visuals collected from the location to trace the accused. They have also refused to reveal the identity of the victim who sustained bite injuries on her lips and lost teeth in the assault.
According to the victim’s statement, the attacker had approached her from behind without any provocation and launched a sudden assault.
The woman, a native of Thripunithura, was returning home after a visit to Sree Poornathrayeesa temple. By the time the locals rushed, the attacker had fled the scene.
The woman was taken to a nearby hospital and was later shifted to another hospital for a speciality treatment. The incident, which took place in the heart of Thripunithura town, has triggered panic among local residents.
