Kerala man kills 5 of family, surrenders in front of cops; says failing financial crisis forced extreme step

Thiruvananthapuram: Five persons, including family members, were murdered suspected to be by a 23 year old youth in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

Afan, 23, of Perumala near Venjaramoodu, surrendered before the police and informed that he killed six persons, including his mother and brother. He also claimed to have consumed rat poison.

Thiruvananthapuram-rural district police chief Sudarsan K S told reporters that prima faice the family was suspected to have some financial issues. But all matters were under probe only. The crime took place at three spots under two police stations' limits between 10 am and 6 pm. Weapons used for the crime were recovered from the respective spots. The accused is also under medical observation.

The police later found that his mother did not die, but was seriously injured. She was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

Those killed were the youth's younger brother, paternal grandmother, father's elder brother and his wife and Afan's girlfriend.

He reportedly told the police that his NRI father Rahim's business was in a deep financial crisis. Though he tried to raise cash it did not materialise. Hence he decided to kill the family members and end his life. The murders took place at three places in and around Venjaramoodu from morning.

It was by evening that the youth went to the Venjaramoodu police station and informed them that he murdered six persons. He also said that he consumed rat poison.

The police rushed to the spot and confirmed the crime. His mother Shemmi was found to be battling for life at their house at Perumala. She was shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram medical college hospital. She was also said to be a cancer patient.

Afan's younger brother, 13-year-old Afsan and Afan's girlfriend were also found dead at the house.

Afan's paternal grandmother Selma Beevi, aged around 80, was found dead in her house at Pangode, while his father's elder brother Latheef and his wife Shahida were found dead at their house at Chullad.

Afan was also admitted to the Thiruvananthapuram medical college as he claimed to have consumed rat poison.

Afan had left the LPG cylinder in his house open when he proceeded to the police station. He was also said to have taken his brother to a hotel and purchased food of the latter's choice.

There were unconfirmed reports that there was an altercation in the family over settling the debts of his father and the relatives refused to help. This was said to be the provocation.