Idukki: A suspected double murder has come to light in Nedumkandam in Kerala’s Idukki district, where a 70-year-old woman and her 48-year-old son were allegedly killed and buried inside their own property, police said on Monday.
Police have launched an intensive search for the woman’s younger son, who is currently absconding and is suspected of being involved in the case.
The deceased have been identified as Marykutty Mathew (70) and her son Reji (48), residents of Pachadi near Nedumkandam. Both had been missing since early April and were last seen on April 9, according to police.
Initially, their disappearance did not raise a major alarm, but suspicion grew after the younger son, Saji, reportedly gave inconsistent answers when questioned by locals about their whereabouts.
Acting on a complaint filed by Marykutty’s daughter, police searched the family property, where they discovered two decomposed bodies buried in the compound. The remains are believed to be those of Marykutty and Reji.
Idukki Superintendent of Police K.M. Sabu Mathew said the bodies were in an advanced stage of decomposition, making identification difficult. He added that post-mortem examinations will be required to confirm identities and determine the exact cause of death.
Preliminary findings suggest a possible family dispute behind the incident.
Relatives, including Marykutty’s son-in-law Raju, said frequent disputes were reported between Reji and Saji. “There were daily verbal clashes between them. When we asked about Marykutty, Saji’s replies were inconsistent,” he said.
Police suspect that Saji may have killed his mother and elder brother before burying the bodies within the property.
A forensic team has examined the site, and the bodies have been shifted to Idukki Medical College for further analysis.
An extensive manhunt is underway under the supervision of the district police chief to trace Saji. Investigators are also recording statements from relatives and local residents to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Officials said confirmation of homicide will depend on the results of forensic and post-mortem examinations.
With IANS inputs