In a significant breakthrough in a 15-year-old cold case, the Crime Branch has arrested Biju Paulose, the man accused of murdering 17-year-old student M C Reshma and disposing of her body in a river.
Reshma, a trainee at the T.T.C. Centre in Kanhangad and resident of Ennappara, Rajapur, went missing on June 6, 2010. Despite a complaint filed by her family at Ambalathara police station, initial investigations failed to yield any leads.
After a habeas corpus petition by Reshma’s family, the High Court transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch. Following thorough inquiries, officers apprehended Biju Paulose from his workplace in Madikeri.
During interrogation, Biju confessed to sexually assaulting Reshma before killing her and disposing of her body in a river. Although the body was initially unrecovered, skeletal remains later found in the river were identified as Reshma’s through DNA testing—crucial evidence that sealed the case.
Investigators confirmed the accused’s involvement through forensic and scientific analysis, alongside his confession. The initial investigation was widely criticized for stagnation, but persistent efforts by Reshma’s family and local Dalit organizations, combined with legal intervention, revived the case and helped secure justice.
