Girl’s body lies for 1 hour as cops fight over jurisdiction

The deceased, Jessica, a Class 5 student, was the daughter of Prakash, a fisherman from Singaravelar Nagar in Kasimedu. On Friday evening, Prakash, wife Malini and their two daughters, Nivedha (15) and Jessica, went to a temple festival at the fishing harbour. Jessica reportedly left for home alone in the middle of the event. However, when Prakash reached home around 8 pm, Jessica was not in the house.

After searching for her in the neighbourhood, Prakash went to lodge a complaint at the Kasimedu police station. But the personnel allegedly refused to take any action, maintaining that fishing harbour does not come under their jurisdiction. Prakash then rushed to the Fishing Harbour station, only to be told that his house doesn’t fall under their limit. By the time the dispute was over, an hour had gone by, said sources.

Meanwhile, the family members who went in search found Jessica lying unconscious on the beach. They rushed her to Stanley Medical College Hospital, but was told she was dead by then.

Angry over police’s apathy, Prakash, relatives and others blocked the road. Senior officers rushed to the spot and held talks with them and promised speedy investigation.

While her family alleged there were wounds on Jessica’s body, police quoted her family and said she often developed seizure. “We will know the cause of death only after autopsy,” said an investigation officer. A case of unnatural death has been registered under Section 174 of the CrPC and further investigation is on.