Kerala CM meets Latvian victim’s sister; promises to study specialised missing persons’ police division proposal

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Thursday met the sister of a Latvian woman who was murdered near Kovalam in 2018 and assured that the State government would seriously examine her proposals to strengthen the handling of missing persons’ cases.

The Latvian national, who had travelled to Kerala with her sister, went missing in March 2018 while undergoing treatment for depression at an Ayurveda centre in Pothencode. Her skeletal remains were later found in a swampy locality close to Thiruvallam, triggering a high-profile investigation.

The police concluded that she had been sexually assaulted and murdered, and arrested two men in connection with the case. The accused, both natives of Vellar, were sentenced to double life imprisonment four years ago.

Recalling his previous meeting with the victim’s sister when he was the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Minister said he extended all possible support to the family and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.

During the meeting, the Latvian national urged the government to establish a specialised police division dedicated to investigating missing persons cases and to appoint trained officers in every police station to deal with such cases. She said implementing these measures would be the most meaningful tribute to her sister’s memory.

Responding to the request, Mr. Satheesan assured her that the State government would seriously consider the proposal. He also announced that the government would establish a ‘Green Corner’ in Kovalam in memory of the victim.

“While her family’s loss can never be undone, they will always remain close to our hearts and embraced with love, compassion and respect,” the Chief Minister posted on the social media.