𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲: "𝐉𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞"

CASE STUDY NAME: 

"Jisha Rape And Murder Case"

Written by 

Sreelakshmi S

Volunteer

Shivi Forensics 

DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE:

The Jisha rape and murder case (Crime No.909/2016) occurred in April 2016 in Perumbavoor, Kerala. Jisha, a 30-year-old Dalit law student, was brutally raped and murdered in her home. The crime, marked by severe injuries to her body, sparked nationwide outrage over caste-based violence and women's safety. Ameerul Islam, a migrant worker, was arrested and later sentenced to death in December 2017. The case highlighted serious concerns about the safety of women in India.

TYPE OF CASE: Rape Case & Murder Case

CASE DATE: April 28, 2016

INVESTIGATION DATE AND TIME:

The FIR filed on 29th April 2016 at Kuruppambady Police Station stated that, Jisha, a 30 year old law student was found dead at her residence near Periyarvallley canal in Perumbavoor, Ernakulam. The body was found by the deceased's mother and neighbours who rushed to her home after hearing the screams from the mother. The front door of the house was locked from inside. The sub inspector, who was on patrol duty, entered through the back door which was found ajar. The body lied inside the middle room half naked and bleeding heavily. Multiple stab wounds were present in the body and it was disembowed. The police gathered evidences from the scene. The body was scent to postmortem and later concluded that the death is likely to have occurred between 12 noon and 9 pm on 28 April. The body was found to have 38 wounds in postmortem. The deceased was likely to be raped and suffered injuries during struggles against these attempts. The body also showed signs of strangulation. The cause of death was determined as combined effects of strangulation, smothering and bleeding. Based on the report, the postmortem doctor, Dr. Liza John, confirmed the evidence of a sexual assault.

                                                         

 Ameerul Islam

INVESTIGATING OFFICER (I.O):

The investigating officer in this case was ADGP B Sandhya.

EVIDENCE FOUND AT THE CRIME SCENE:

Here are some key pieces of evidence found at the crime scene:

1. Bloodstains : Bloodstains were found at the crime scene, and DNA samples collected from these stains matched the DNA of the accused, Ameerul Islam, a migrant labourer from Assam.

2. Weapon: A sharp-edged weapon, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered. The nature of the wounds on Jisha's body indicated that she was attacked with a sharp object.

3. Footwear: A pair of slippers was found near the crime scene. The slippers were later identified as belonging to the accused.

4. Hair and Skin Samples: Hair and skin samples were collected from Jisha's fingernails, suggesting a struggle had taken place. These samples were used to link the accused to the crime.

5. Clothes: The clothes of both the victim and the accused were analyzed for forensic evidence, including bloodstains and other biological materials.

6. Witness Testimonies: Though not physical evidence, the testimonies of witnesses and people who saw the accused near the crime scene helped in piecing together the sequence of events.

CONCLUSION:

The Jisha murder case, a brutal crime that occurred in Kerala, India, in 2016, involved the rape and murder of a 30-year-old law student in her home. The horrific nature of the crime sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice. After initial delays, the investigation intensified, leading to the arrest of Ameerul Islam, a migrant labour from Assam. DNA evidence linked him to the crime, and in 2017, he was convicted and sentenced to death. The case highlighted the importance of forensic evidence in securing justice and brought attention to the broader issue of violence against women in India.

MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS:

The Jisha murder case highlights critical medicolegal aspects, particularly in the context of forensic evidence and the legal proceedings under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The autopsy, conducted under Section 174 CrPC, revealed multiple stab wounds and evidence of sexual assault, providing key details about the cause of death. The investigation relied heavily on DNA analysis, which was crucial in identifying the accused, Ameerul Islam, and securing his conviction under Section 302 (murder) and Section 376 (rape) of the IPC. The chain of custody for forensic evidence was meticulously maintained to ensure its integrity, which was vital for the prosecution's case. The forensic evidence, including the DNA match, played a decisive role in the trial, leading to Islam's conviction and subsequent death sentence under Section 366A (kidnapping, abducting, or inducing a woman to compel her marriage, etc.). The case underscores the importance of forensic science in upholding justice and ensuring that legal procedures, as outlined in the IPC and CrPC, are rigorously followed to deliver a fair trial.

AUTOPSY FINDINGS:

The cause of death in the Jisha murder case was determined to be due to multiple injuries and blunt force trauma to the head, compounded by strangulation. The autopsy indicated that the combination of these factors led to her death. The severe head injury, inflicted with a heavy object, along with the strangulation, were significant in causing her demise.

FINAL JUDGEMENT:

In the Jisha murder case, Ameerul Islam was sentenced to death by the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court on October 27, 2017. The court's judgment was based on the brutal nature of the crime, which involved multiple severe injuries, sexual assault, and strangulation. Along with the death penalty, the court also ordered a compensation of ₹10 lakh to be paid to Jisha's family. This verdict was a critical measure of justice for the horrific crime and aimed to provide some measure of closure for Jisha's family and the community.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE CASE:

As of the latest updates, Ameerul Islam, convicted for the brutal murder of Jisha, remains on death row. Despite multiple appeals, including to the Supreme Court of India, his conviction and death sentence have been upheld. The execution of his sentence has yet to be carried out due to the lengthy legal processes involved. Islam’s case continues to reflect the complexities and delays associated with capital punishment in India.

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