Kerala Double Murder Case: Shocking Discovery and Arrest

Gruesome Discovery in Kerala

Authorities searching Reji's home uncovered the decomposed bodies of Reji and his mother, Mary, in a dung pit located at the back of the property. Following this discovery, police apprehended Saji on Tuesday, charging him with the murders.

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. After their father, Mathew, went missing in 2018, Reji took over most family responsibilities. However, a local auto-rickshaw driver noticed a sudden change earlier this month when Saji began performing tasks typically handled by Reji.

Investigation Unfolds

The auto-rickshaw driver grew concerned when Reji had not been seen since the first week of April and informed a relative, who then contacted the police.

Details of the Murders

On Monday, investigators found the bodies in the dung pit during a search of Reji's residence. Saji was arrested the following day, and authorities are now looking into whether he had any involvement in his father's disappearance eight years ago.

Family Dispute Over Land

According to SP Sabu Mathew, there was a dispute between the brothers regarding the division of an acre of land. Saji believed that Reji was obstructing his plans to marry. Additionally, Saji was reportedly irritated by Reji's teasing about his personal life. Local residents noted that both brothers were single, with Saji planning to marry soon.

Timeline of Events

The police suspect the murders occurred in the first week of April, but the exact date remains unclear. Local political workers campaigning for the Kerala assembly elections had seen Mary and Reji, but on April 9, the day of voting, only Saji appeared at the polling station.

Alcohol-Fueled Violence

On the day of the incident, Saji allegedly got into a drunken argument with Reji, during which he attacked him, ultimately leading to Reji's death by strangulation. Following this, Saji assaulted their mother, causing her to lose consciousness by repeatedly hitting her head against a wall.

Cover-Up Attempts

Saji reportedly kept the bodies hidden inside the house overnight, covering them with a sheet before dragging them to the pit the next day, where he 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, was a priest who went missing in 2018. Although a missing person report was filed, the investigation did not progress.

Sister's Complaint and Community Concerns

Reji worked with a rental agency for lighting and sound equipment, while Saji occasionally engaged in farming. Their sister, Sini, who lives in Anakkara, reported that Saji had been behaving poorly after drinking for a long time. She recalled an incident last year when Saji threatened her if their mother returned home.

Community Observations and Police Action

The series of events began when the auto-rickshaw driver noticed Saji selling cardamom, a task usually performed by Reji. He also realized that Reji had not contacted him for two weeks, even regarding their mother's medical needs. After discussing these concerns with a relative, Sini filed a complaint with the Nedumkandam police.

Saji's Arrest and Confession

The following day, police searched the house and discovered the bodies. Saji fled and hid in a nearby cardamom plantation overnight. However, when police launched a search operation and alerted border checkpoints towards Tamil Nadu, Saji reportedly confessed to his crime at a local shop.

Voting and Wedding Plans

On April 9, Saji was seen at the polling booth with a bandage on his body, claiming he had fallen in the restroom. Another resident reported that Saji had told neighbors about his upcoming wedding on April 30, stating he had been in love with a girl for years and that Reji had approved the marriage. However, he later claimed the wedding was postponed.

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 that he often traveled for religious conferences. On that day in 2018, he mentioned going to Nedumkandam but forgot his phone in the rush to catch a bus. Since then, the family has had no news of him, and they hope this case will finally provide answers.