Overview
- The Madhya Pradesh police team, which reached Kochi on Thursday, is trying to locate the couple and record the woman’s statement after tracking phones to areas like Thrikkakara and Aluva.
- Kochi City Police said a court order bars the woman’s arrest and conveyed this to the visiting officers, who now say they want her statement rather than custody.
- The woman sought protection from Kerala authorities, stated she is 18, said she fears being taken to Madhya Pradesh, and has declined to meet the MP team according to local reports.
- An inquiry by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes cited hospital records showing a December 30, 2009 birth date and alleged forged birth and marriage documents were used for the Kerala temple wedding.
- The legal posture remains fluid as outlets differ on whether POCSO charges have been added or only an abduction case is on record, and the NCST has summoned the Kerala and Madhya Pradesh police chiefs to New Delhi on April 22 for a review.