Uzbekistan murder probe moves to Kerala crime branch

The Kerala state crime branch will now lead the investigation into the tragic murder of medical student Sawaria Basanth, who died in Uzbekistan. This decision follows a complaint filed by Basanth's family with the Haripad police, who have initiated preliminary inquiries.

Statements are being collected from Basanth's relatives and classmates who have returned to Kerala. Further details will be obtained from the surgeon who performed the autopsy at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital. The postmortem report indicated the cause of death was a significant head injury, accompanied by spinal injuries and contusions consistent with being kicked.

Evidence gathered by Uzbek police suggests blows were inflicted with a laptop. The accused, Sadarul Anam from Malappuram, remains in the custody of Bukhara police. Efforts are underway to gather information from Uzbekistan via the embassy and to ultimately transfer the accused to Kerala for trial.