The case related to the death of Sister Abhaya moved in different directions that Kerala has never seen before. The finding that Sister Sephy, the third accused in the Sister Abhaya Murder Case, had undergone hymenoplasty surgery to establish that she was a virgin was crucial in the CBI investigation. This was revealed during a medical examination conducted at the medical college.
Sister Abhaya Murder: Hymenoplasty surgery and narcoanalysis; Turning points in the case
After her arrest in 2008, she underwent a medical examination at Alappuzha Medical College, Discovered by Police Surgeon Dr Lalithambika Karunakaran. The CBI pointed out that the surgery was carried out on the basis of legal advice that the prosecution could overturn the allegation if it was established that Sister Sephy was a virgin.
CBI finds, The first accused, Fr. Thomas Kottoor, Fr. Jose Poothrikkayil having illicit affair with Sister Sephy of Pius X convent in Kottayam. The investigation team concluded that Sister Abhaya had witnessed this relationship, led to the murder of Sister Abhaya.
In 2007, the defendants were subjected to narco-analysis for further evidence. However, the accused had approached the court against the collection of narco-analysis evidence by the CBI. The High Court had barred the doctors from conducting the analysis, citing "compulsory collection of evidence as a violation of fundamental rights".