Surat: The investigation into the murder of a 22-year-old computer engineer in Godavadi village of Surat district has entered a crucial stage, with police now banking on the psychoanalysis of two suspects for a breakthrough.With investigators yet to find strong physical or technical evidence, police are turning to scientific methods to gather information from the suspects. The case has remained undetected for nearly a fortnight despite efforts by multiple police teams to find a breakthrough.The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational murder is currently camping at the Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS) Laboratory in Gandhinagar with the two suspects — a woman and a man. Following court approval, both suspects will undergo psychoanalysis by a team of DFS experts. The process could take more than a week, police said.“Psychoanalysis is a useful method to gather information about a crime from suspects when their cooperation is not at the expected level. We are hopeful of getting some important information from the suspects,” said Rajesh Gaghiya, superintendent of police, Surat Rural.The SIT is also being assisted by the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) of Surat city police in the technical investigation. However, investigators have so far failed to find any significant technical clue.The woman was found murdered early on August 24 after her parents returned from a pilgrimage. She had been alone at home that night. Police suspect that the assailant or assailants entered the house taking advantage of her being alone. There were no signs of forced entry.According to investigators, the assailant allegedly strangled the woman with the drawstring of a pair of shorts and a mobile phone charging cable, and also smothered her with two plastic bags. Injuries were found around her private parts, indicating possible sexual assault. Her body was subsequently taken to the terrace, allegedly in an attempt to conceal it.The removal of some jewellery and her mobile phone initially suggested a possible robbery motive. However, investigators do not believe the murder was committed for loot as some valuables that were kept in plain sight were left untouched.Her broken mobile phone was recovered from a water tank outside the house a day after the murder. Given its damaged condition, police could not immediately retrieve useful data from it. The phone was subsequently sent to the DFS laboratory in Gandhinagar for detailed examination, with investigators hoping it will yield crucial clues.The deceased was preparing to pursue higher studies in Canada. Her elder sister is settled there, and she too was planning to move to Canada.
