Palakkad: The disappearance of a 66-year-old woman from Kozhinjampara in Kerala's Palakkad district has led to the unraveling of a gruesome murder, with police alleging that she was killed, her body burnt and later buried by two local youths who targeted her for the two gold nose studs she was wearing.
The victim, Sarasammal, a resident of Attayampathy, had been missing since June 10.
After weeks of investigation, the Kozhinjampara Police cracked the case and took a local youth into custody.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to the crime, enabling investigators to reconstruct the sequence of events.
According to police, the accused, along with a 17-year-old boy who has also been taken into custody, entered the woman's house with the intention of stealing her jewellery.
When Sarasammal resisted, she was allegedly assaulted and repeatedly slashed with a weapon before the duo robbed her of her two gold nose studs.
Investigators said the accused then attempted to destroy evidence. Sarasammal's body was allegedly placed inside a drum in the house and set on fire. After it was partially burnt, the body was taken away and buried.
Police said the main accused's confession proved crucial in uncovering the crime and recovering key evidence.
The exact sequence of events and the juvenile's role are being verified through scientific evidence and forensic examination.
Investigators are also probing whether the murder was premeditated or whether the robbery escalated into homicide after the victim resisted.
Further evidence, including the stolen ornaments and the weapon allegedly used in the attack, is being traced.
The brutality of the crime, allegedly committed for two small pieces of jewellery, has shocked residents of Kozhinjampara and neighbouring areas.
Police said further investigation is underway and additional charges may be filed as more evidence emerges in the case.
With IANS inputs