Body of Kerala nurse murdered in Oman in Kochi today

The body of Chikku Robert, a 25-year-old Kerala nurse who was murdered in Oman last month, will arrive in Kochi on Monday morning, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Robert's husband will not be able to accompany the body because Oman's rules require him to be present in the country while the investigation into the murder is being conducted, Chandy told IANS.

A five-month pregnant Robert, who worked as a nurse in a hospital in Oman, was found by her husband with multiple stab injuries at their flat in Salalah city.

The couple worked at the same hospital.

Chandy said police in Oman have cracked the case and "the details are awaited".

Police have so far taken statements from several of Robert's friends, colleagues and her husband, as part of the investigation.

A Pakistani national was also questioned by police and let off.

Chandy suggested that Robert's husband was not being allowed to accompany the body was not because he was a suspect in the case.

"We have been told that her husband is totally innocent, but the rules there are like that. I even gave a letter to the officials there that the state government will ensure that soon after the funeral is over, her husband will be sent back," he said.

"We are told that he is also unwell and the authorities have said that he will be given all the necessary attention," added the chief minister.