CB to probe Govindachamys beggar mafia link

KOCHI: The Crime Branch (CB) is all set to clear the cloud looming over the background of Govindachamy, who allegedly raped and murdered Soumya, 23, after pushing her out of a running train in February this year. The Crime Branch suspects that he is part of a beggar mafia which is active in several states in South India. The Crime Branch will investigate into the Mumbai links in connection with the money pushed by him for the trial in the case. The sources with the Crime Branch said: “There were speculations that he is linked with beggar mafia which operates in South India. He had pumped substantial amount of money to conduct the trial in the case. In this wake, the background of the suspects has to be probed. There were reports from Intelligence that beggar mafia is active in the state which is trafficking children for beggary purpose. There are doubts that he is part of such mafia and a probe will be conducted with the assistance of the Intelligence Bureau and police in other states. The fingerprint experts had reported that he was accused in crimes in other states,” a Crime Branch officer said.The Crime Branch and the police are also set to crack the beggar mafia in the state. After the Soumya case, the police were given directive that the beggary in busy areas should be monitored closely and there are high chances of these people becoming victims of a gang which amputates children and leave them for beggary. The mafia brings people from other states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa for the purpose. There are also speculations that they also transport children from other parts of the country for this purpose.The Thrissur Fast Track Court on Monday termed Govindachamy as an accused in the Soumya rape and murder case. The fingerprint experts who had submitted the documents stated that the accused had been convicted earlier in other cases. On the basis of fingerprint evidence furnished by the experts, the court would examine whether the same person had been convicted in all the cases referred to by the prosecution.