Kochi: Lookout notice issued against rape accused

KOCHI: The police in Kochi said on Tuesday that they have issued a lookout notice and a circular to nab Martin Joseph (27) who is accused of detaining, torturing and raping a woman in an apartment for over a month. Joseph, a native of Thrissur and residing in Kochi, went into hiding after the survivor escaped from his captivity and approached the police in April.Police said an investigation team is on the trail of the accused.
The circular and the notice were issued by Ernakulam Central Police. While the lookout circular is aimed at preventing his escape to other states or abroad via airports, the lookout notice, which publicizes him as an accused in the case, is aimed at getting information from the public in locating him.
According to the police, the accused and the survivor, who is a native of Kannur and residing in Ernakulam, were in a live-in relationship for over a year. However, according to the woman, Joseph reportedly turned abusive in February. Since then, she was reportedly detained at their rented apartment in Marine Drive, tortured and even raped for over a month. The survivor managed to escape when the accused went out to buy food.
On April 8, nearly a month after her escape, the woman approached the police and filed a petition. She told the police that the accused extorted around Rs 5 lakh from her, allegedly for investing in the stock market after convincing her that he would return the sum in monthly instalments. However, he did not return the money.
It is suspected that he became abusive following their arguments over her money. The woman, who sustained extensive injuries due to torture, reportedly hid at a friend’s place after her escape, fearing that the accused would go after her.
Central police have registered a case against the accused invoking IPC Sections 376 (rape), 344 (wrongful confinement for 10 days or more), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means or weapons), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property).
The police investigation team has so far searched several places in Thrissur and Kozhikode to locate the accused.
Meanwhile, the high court has sought the views of police on an anticipatory bail filed by Martin Joseph.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme Court directives on cases related to sexual assault)