The partner of a woman murdered in India has said the ongoing trial of two men accused of her killing has stirred up both “relief and bitterness”.
Irish resident Liga Skromane (33) disappeared on March 14, 2018 shortly after travelling to Kerala for therapy to tackle depression.
Fishermen came across her remains on April 20, 2018 at a marshy spot nearly 30kms away from the wellness centre where she was getting treatment.
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Earlier last week, the trial of two men, Udayan (27) and Umesh (31), accused of Liga’s gruesome murder began in Kerala.
Prosecutors allege that the men lured Liga to the mangrove forest where she was found, drugged her and then sexually assaulted her before she was killed.
Now, Liga’s partner Andrew Jordan, from Swords, has opened up, saying the news that the accused are finally standing trial “has stirred many emotions.”
Speaking to us, Andrew said: “Relief in some parts that light is shed on dark deeds, sorrow for her family’s broken hearts, bitterness towards those responsible, love for the brave souls who are fighting the good fight, and the one who went down fighting.”
He also thanked everyone who has supported him since Liga’s gruesome killing.
“For those who have had my back, lifted me up, cheered me on and had belief, my undying gratitude and love,” he said.
Liga and her sister Ilze, both originally from Latvia, travelled to Kerala, in India, together.
They had planned to spend six weeks at a wellness centre in Pothencode where Liga underwent care involving a full body, mind and spirit therapy treatment. While there, Liga went to buy cigarettes but never returned.
Ilze later discovered her sister took a rickshaw from the health centre to a beach nearly 30km away at 7.30am on the day she vanished. However, she left her wallet, passport and bag behind.
A rickshaw driver told police he had dropped Liga at a beach destination at 8.30am and two people confirmed they had seen her at 11.30am, according to Ilze.
Police suspected suicide but upgraded Liga’s death to murder after fishermen discovered her remains at a marshy spot.
The location is a notorious area for drug addicts and local ‘beach boys’. It is thought Liga was snatched from the beach and ferried by boat before being strangled to death.
Her body was identified by DNA tests.
The murder trial is expected to last until June 21.
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