Kannur: A controversy has kicked up in Kerala, southern India, over the mysterious death of 33-year-old Latvian national.

A highly decomposed body of Liga Skromane with severed head was discovered on April 20 near the banks of Karamana River in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. The 33-year-old woman had gone missing at Kovalam, a top tourist spot near Thiruvananthapuram, on March 14.

State Director-General of Police Loknath Behera said the department would conduct a detailed probe. However, Liga’s sister Ilze and partner Andrew Jordan alleged that the police were investigating the case in a casual manner.

“We will conduct a detailed probe. We cannot close the case in one single day. It is a challenging case and we have sought the help of best forensic expert in the case,” Behera told media persons.

He also ordered the probe team not to share details of the probe to the media. “It is a matter of prestige not only to the police, but for the entire country,” he added.

Earlier, Ilze and Jordan waited for around three hours to meet Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Social activist Ashwathi Jwala , who accompanied the duo to Vijayan’s office, said they were denied an audience.

Jwala alleged that the DGP was harsh with both Ilze and Jordan. Later talking to reporters, Ilze said there was no evidence to suggest that Liga committed suicide.

She said Liga’s body was found in decayed condition with head ripped off the body. She said Liga had a history of attempting suicide twice back home.

“But she was showing signs of improvement after starting the treatment in Kerala.”

Liga, arrived in Kerala on February 4 seeking Ayurvedic cure for her depression. However, she disappeared from the Ayurvedic centre in Pothencode near Thiruvananthapuram on March 14 and was last seen at the Kovalam beach.

In her Facebook post, Jwala regretted the police behavior which she said damaged the country’s image overseas.

(Source: covaipost.com)