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	Abhaya Murder Case Takes More Dramatic Turns India Today November 27, 2008 http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21085§ionid=4&issueid=81&Itemid=1 The curious twists and turns the sensational Sister Abhaya case takes even after 16 years could pale even the thriller films made on the subject. The latest is the mysterious death of V V Augustine (68), the retired Assistant Sub Inspector in state police who could have the most vital clues to the death of the 21 year-old nun inside a convent in Kottayam in 1992. For it was Augustine as in charge of the local police station who had prepared the FIR and Inquest Report on the nun's death. Augustine was found dead in his homestead the other day after he was interrogated by the CBI for hours. In a 'suicide note' Augustine blamed CBI as responsible for his death. His relatives and the Catholic Church have also slammed the CBI for its "harassment" of the retired officer. However many believe Augustine was knocked off by the powerful lobbies which don't want the secrets to tumble out regarding the nun's death. CBI has said the death of this crucial witness could hamper investigation. Earlier CBI had revealed that the FIR and Inquest Report Augustine had prepared as in charge of the first police official to reach the convent when the nun died, was heavily distorted, incomplete and misleading. According to the CBI it was these reports that helped the local police to destroy evidences in the case. Last week the CBI had sent shockwaves when it arrested the first three accused in the case, two priests and a nun who have been since remanded to custody. CBI also subjected two senior most Archbishops of the Knayana Church provoking angry outbursts from the church which has launched a protest movement against the investigating agency. The 16 year old investigation has brought much embarrassment to the CBI which did not make any progress until recently when its latest team made the first arrests. Thrice in the past the CBI had requested in vain to the high court to close the case for want of evidence. It was the high court and chief judicial magistrates which repeatedly refused to close the case and ordered for re-investigation. Powerful lobbies with high political and religious connections have been accused of attempting to subvert the investigation and shield the guilty from beginning.
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