Investigator doubts case brought against students

Thiruvananthapuram: The obscenity case against a group of Nigerian students living in a flat in Kochi has taken a new turn with the police claiming that it is a falling out between an apartment owner and the apartment management committee.

The police could not find any evidence against the students after the primary investigation.

The police said there was an ongoing feud between Eastern Group, the owner of the apartment where the Nigerian students live, and owners of some of the apartments in the complex.

"We don't find any evidence against these students. It is not easy to prove this case. We suspect the veracity of the complaint," said the investigating officer of the case.

The Nigerian students said that they were subjected to racial abuse by some members of the managing committee who live in the neighbouring apartments.

"We did not commit any offence," said Andy Toboroo, one of the students.

Babu Joseph, executive director of Eurotech, where the students are studying, said he took up the matter with higher-ups in the police and informed the Human Rights Commission about the harassment.