Trial in Uthra case nearing completion

Scientific evidence produced to prove ‘conspiracy’ in snakebite death

The trial in the case pertaining to the death of Uthra, a 25-year-old woman, of snakebite, has entered the final stage with the prosecution producing scientific evidence and expert committee findings to prove the ‘conspiracy’ angle. Kollam Crime Branch (Rural Police) had filed the chargesheet in the case, booking Uthra’s husband Sooraj under various sections of IPC for murder, attempt to murder, and destruction of evidence. Since the crime had no witnesses, the prosecution went for scientific evidence to establish that the bite was induced and not natural. Improbability of the cobra entering the room, crepuscular behaviour of the reptile, and the difference in fang width were presented as evidence. Fang width will be different for natural bites and those induced by pressing the cobra on head. The prosecution also argued that consecutive bites on the same place are not possible in snakebite cases.