Thiruvananthapuram, 09 July (H.S.):

The family of a Kerala MBBS student allegedly murdered in Uzbekistan has levelled serious allegations against the accused, claiming she was subjected to repeated physical abuse and pressure to convert her religion before her death.

The victim, Savariya, an MBBS student from Alappuzha, was allegedly killed by her classmate, Sadarul Anam, a native of Pulamanthole in Kerala's Malappuram district. The accused is currently in the custody of Uzbekistan police.

Speaking to the media, the victim's relatives alleged that Savariya had sustained extensive injuries all over her body, indicating that she had been brutally assaulted. They claimed she bore bruises and wounds from head to toe, suggesting that the attack was far more severe than initially believed.

The family further alleged that Sadarul Anam had repeatedly pressured Savariya to convert her religion. According to them, she consistently refused his demands, following which he allegedly subjected her to repeated abuse. However, the exact motive behind the killing has not yet been officially established.

Savariya's body was brought back to Kerala earlier this week. After noticing multiple injuries on her body, her father, Basanth, submitted a complaint to the Alappuzha District Police Chief seeking a second post-mortem examination to determine the full extent of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Acting on the complaint, authorities initiated a re-post-mortem examination at Government TD Medical College Hospital, Alappuzha, on Wednesday morning.

The family has also expressed suspicion that the accused had assaulted Savariya on earlier occasions, though these allegations are yet to be independently verified by investigators.

Meanwhile, Harippad Police have registered a murder case against Sadarul Anam based on the complaint lodged by the victim's family. Since the accused remains in the custody of Uzbekistan authorities, further legal proceedings are expected to involve coordination between Indian and Uzbek law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman