Police investigating the murder of a 65-year-old man in Kerala’s Alappuzha district have arrested his minor granddaughter and three teenage boys who carried out the killing at her request.
According to police, the girl planned the murder after learning that her grandfather was alone at his rented house. She reportedly wanted money to buy an iPhone for herself and a bike for her boyfriend.
The three teenagers, who are from Kollam, travelled to Alappuzha by train on Saturday night and entered the house through a rear door. Police said they tied the victim’s hands and legs with cloth and tightened a rope around his neck. Prima facie, he appears to have been smothered to death.
The teenagers stole six sovereigns of gold ornaments from the house and attempted to destroy evidence by scattering chilli powder around the premises. Police said they also recorded visuals of the killing and shared them with the girl.
The victim had been alone at home for several days while his wife was at a hospital with their daughter, who had been admitted for a planned delivery. Local residents last saw him on Saturday evening.
The granddaughter, who was staying at a relative’s house, arrived at the rented house on Monday morning and alerted neighbours after receiving no response. Neighbours forced their way inside and found the man dead.
Police said the girl’s behaviour following the death raised suspicion. She reportedly appeared impassive and insisted on attending an ongoing term examination at school. During questioning, investigators examined her mobile phone and found evidence that the teenagers had shared videos of the murder with her.
“She wanted to buy an iPhone for herself and a bike for her boyfriend. She conspired with her friends once she realised the victim was alone at home,” a police officer said.
Police said murder charges will be invoked against all four arrested persons, with the case to be dealt with under relevant provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.