Shocking Double Murder Uncovered in Kerala: Brother Arrested
Gruesome Discovery in Cow Dung Pit
Authorities searching Reji's home stumbled upon the decomposed bodies of Reji and his mother, Mary, in a cow dung pit located at the back of the property. On Tuesday, police apprehended Saji, Reji's younger brother, on charges of murder.
Family Background and Suspicious Behavior
In the small village of Pachadi in Idukki district, 54-year-old Reji Ponnuttil lived with his 43-year-old brother Saji and their 71-year-old ailing mother, Mary. Following the mysterious disappearance of their father, Mathew, in 2018, Reji had taken over most family responsibilities. However, a local auto-rickshaw driver noticed a sudden change in Saji's behavior earlier this month, as he began to take on tasks typically handled by Reji.
Investigation Unfolds
The auto-rickshaw driver grew concerned when he realized Reji had not been seen since the first week of April. He informed a relative of Reji, who subsequently alerted the police.
Details of the Murders
On Monday, during the search of Reji's residence, officials discovered the bodies in the cow dung pit. Following this, Saji was arrested on Tuesday. Investigators are now looking into whether he had any involvement in his father's disappearance eight years ago.
Land Dispute and Family Tensions
According to SP Sabu Mathew, there was a dispute between the brothers over the division of a one-acre plot of land. Saji believed that Reji was obstructing his plans to marry. Additionally, Saji was reportedly upset with Reji for teasing him about personal matters. Local residents noted that both brothers were unmarried, with Saji planning to marry soon.
Timeline of Events
The police indicated that the murders likely occurred in the first week of April, although the exact date remains unclear. Local political workers had seen Mary and Reji during the campaign for the Kerala Assembly elections, but on April 9, the day of voting, only Saji appeared at the polling station.
Alcohol-fueled Violence
On the day of the murders, Saji allegedly got into a drunken argument with Reji, during which he attacked and strangled him. He then assaulted their mother, hitting her head against the wall until she lost consciousness.
Cover-Up Attempts
Saji reportedly kept the bodies hidden inside the house overnight, covering them with a sheet. The following day, he dragged them to the pit and buried them under dirt and dung. To prevent discovery, he tied the family dog to a post near the pit.
Previous Disappearance of Father
Mathew, the father of Saji and Reji, was a priest who went missing in 2018. A missing person report was filed, but the investigation stalled.
Sister Files FIR
Reji worked with an agency renting out sound and lighting equipment, while Saji occasionally engaged in farming. Their sister, Sini, who lives in Anakkara, reported that the family was not very social. She mentioned that Saji had been behaving poorly after drinking for a long time.
Suspicious Behavior Leads to Investigation
Sini recounted that the auto-rickshaw driver's observations sparked the investigation. She noted that Saji had been acting suspiciously, claiming their mother was at a medical college in Theni, Tamil Nadu. Realizing he was lying, she filed a complaint with the Nedumkandam police.
Arrest and Confession
The next day, police searched the house and recovered the bodies. Saji fled but hid in a nearby cardamom plantation until he was apprehended after confessing to his crime at a local shop.
Voting and Wedding Plans
On April 9, Saji appeared at the polling booth with a bandage on his arm, claiming he had fallen in the restroom. He had also told neighbors about his upcoming wedding on April 30, stating he had been in love for years and that Reji had approved the marriage.
Reopening Father's Case
Following this double murder case, police are revisiting the investigation into Mathew's disappearance. Sini recalled the day her father went missing, noting he often traveled for religious conferences. She hopes this case will finally provide answers.