Thiruvananthapuram: A shocking case of multiple murders unfolded in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district on Monday, as a 23-year-old man allegedly killed five people, including four close family members, across three villages. The accused, identified as Afan, later surrendered at the Venjaramoodu police station and confessed to the crime.
Incident Details
According to the police, the murders occurred between 10 AM and 6 PM. Afan initially claimed to have killed six people, but his mother, Shemy, a cancer patient, survived the attack and is currently battling for life at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.
The victims include:
1. Salma Beevi – The accused’s paternal grandmother, murdered in Pangode.
2. Latheef – His father’s brother, killed in S N Puram.
3. Shahida – Latheef’s wife, also murdered in S N Puram.
4. Afsan – His 13-year-old younger brother, killed at their home in Pullampara.
5. Farsana – A woman reportedly known to Afan, also killed at the Pullampara residence.
His mother, Shemy, was also attacked but survived with critical injuries.
Motive and Investigation
Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP K S Sudarsan confirmed that three separate cases have been registered at two police stations. Investigators suspect financial issues as a possible motive, and reports indicate that some gold was missing from the house. A hammer, believed to be the murder weapon, has been recovered from the crime site.
Authorities are yet to confirm the exact reason behind the killings. Some locals suggested that Afan’s friend Farsana had been staying at his house for the last two days, which might have led to family disputes. However, no known history of criminal behavior or drug abuse has been reported.
Accused Admitted to Hospital
After carrying out the killings, Afan reportedly consumed poison before turning himself in to the police. He was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Father’s Statement
The accused’s father, Abdul Raheem, who works in Saudi Arabia, stated in a TV interview that the family did face financial difficulties, but he did not believe his son was troubled by them. He also mentioned that Afan had traveled to Saudi Arabia for six months and returned in good spirits. While relatives had indicated that Afan was in a relationship with Farsana, they were not opposed to it. The father also confirmed that Afan had borrowed money from her.
The gruesome killings have left the local community in shock. Investigators are now focusing on gathering more details about the financial situation and any possible disputes that might have triggered the incident.