Youth murdered in Kerala in suspected honour killing

The man was identified as Aneesh, 27, son of Aramugham of Ilamandam near Thenkurussi

In a suspected case of honour killing, a youth was murdered on Friday at Palakkad district in Kerala.

Relatives of the deceased alleged that it was a case of honour killing executed by relatives of his wife.

The deceased was identified as Aneesh alias Appu, 27, son of Aarumugham of Ilamandam near Thenkurussi, about 15 kilometres from Palakkad town. The police nabbed his wife's father Prabhukumar and uncle Suresh in this connection.

Aneesh got married to Haritha three months back. Haritha's family was opposed to their love affair since school days allegedly since Aneesh belonged to a lower caste. Aneesh, who belonged to the blacksmith community, married Haritha, who belonged to Pillai community, at a sub-registrar office three months back. Aneesh's family was also financially very weak, while Haritha hailed from a middle class family.

Aneesh's relatives alleged that Haritha's relatives had threatened of killing him.

On Friday, while Aneesh was riding on a two-wheeler, two persons, alleged to be Haritha's father Prabhukumar and uncle Suresh, blocked Aneesh and hacked him to death at Manamkulambu near Thenkurussi.

Palakkad district police chief Sujithdas S told DH that though the allegations of honour killed seemed to be prima faice true, further clarification would be available only once the girl's statement was recorded. Since the girl was now emotionally down, it may require some time to record her statement. The two accused were nabbed by Friday night and were being interrogated.

Haritha later told a section of media that her father and uncle had been frequently threatening after she married Aneesh in September. They even said that Aneesh would be killed in three months. She also alleged ineffective action of police even as they complained of the threats.

Police officials said that earlier also a complaint regarding the threats against Aneesh was received and the accused were warned.

The Kerala Youth Commission also suo moto registered a case in connection with the incident and sought a report from the district police chief.

Kerala had witnessed honour killings earlier also. The killing of Kevin P Joseph of Kottayam district in 2018 by a gang involving his wife's brother had rocked the state. Accused in the case were sentenced to life term.