Kerala Shaken by Brutal Mass Murder: Accused’s Drug Use Suspected, Say Police
Thiruvananthapuram: A horrifying mass murder in Kerala’s Venjaramoodu has left the state in shock, with police describing the killings as “brutal” and finding evidence of drug use by the accused.
The 23-year-old suspect, Afan, allegedly killed six family members, including his 13-year-old brother. However, his mother survived the attack and is currently hospitalized. The victims included his grandmother, a young woman believed to be his girlfriend, his paternal uncle, and the uncle’s wife.
Authorities revealed that all the victims suffered severe head injuries. Police are investigating the exact nature of the drug use, which will be confirmed through scientific examination.
Funeral Rites and Grief in the Community
The remains of Afan’s grandmother, brother, uncle, and aunt were handed over to the family after post-mortem and displayed for relatives and neighbors to pay their final respects. Hundreds of mourners gathered, many breaking down in tears. The victims were later laid to rest at Pangode Juma Masjid.
Afan’s girlfriend, Farsana, was buried separately at Kattumurakkal Juma Masjid in Chirayinkeezhu following funeral rites at her home.
Crime Scene and Investigation
The murders took place across three different houses, reportedly 20-25 kilometers apart. Police suspect Afan traveled between the homes on his motorbike to carry out the killings. While they have not yet disclosed the exact sequence of events, initial findings suggest the crime was premeditated rather than impulsive.
Authorities also noted attempts to open cupboards at Afan’s paternal uncle’s home, but it remains unclear if anything was stolen. Some reports suggest financial distress in the family might have been a motive, with speculation that Afan used a hammer to commit the crimes.
Shock and Disbelief Among Neighbors
Despite the gruesome nature of the case, many relatives and neighbors struggle to believe Afan could be responsible. A woman who runs a tea shop near his home described him as a soft-spoken young man who deeply cared for his younger brother.
“I cannot believe he did it. He was a good boy. There is not a single bad thing we can say about him,” she told reporters.
Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing disbelief that the mild-mannered young man could commit such an act.
Accused in Hospital, Motive Still Unclear
Afan has not yet been officially arrested as he remains hospitalized at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College after reportedly consuming poison. The police have yet to reveal details of the weapon used, the full sequence of events, or a confirmed motive.
The shocking crime came to light when Afan walked into the Venjaramoodu police station on Monday evening and confessed to the murders. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to piece together the full story behind this tragic and chilling case.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
