Police in Kerala have launched an investigation after a man was allegedly found performing rituals with the decomposing body of his elderly mother, which he had kept at home for several days. The macabre incident came to light when the woman's granddaughter arrived at the house on Friday night for a visit, officials confirmed.
Discovery and Initial Response
According to local police, the granddaughter became suspicious after noticing a foul smell emanating from the house. When she entered, she allegedly found her uncle performing rituals near the body, which had been placed on a cot in the living room. The woman immediately alerted neighbors, who informed law enforcement. Police arrived at the scene and took the man into custody for questioning.
The woman, who lives in a nearby town, had not visited her grandmother for several days due to prior commitments. She told police that her uncle had been living with their mother and had not informed any family members about her death. The cause of death is not yet known, and authorities have sent the body for post-mortem examination.
Legal and Cultural Context
Under Indian law, keeping a dead body at home without proper disposition is illegal and can lead to charges of wrongful concealment of death. Police are investigating whether the man's actions were motivated by religious beliefs or mental health issues. Forensic experts are examining the body to determine the time and cause of death.
In some parts of Kerala, certain traditional rituals involve extended periods of keeping the deceased at home, but authorities emphasize that such practices must comply with public health regulations. The local municipal corporation has issued notices in the past stressing the need for timely cremation or burial.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "The man is being evaluated by a psychiatrist to assess his mental state. We are also verifying if any other family members were involved or aware of the situation." The officer added that the granddaughter's prompt action helped prevent further health risks to the community.
Community Reaction
The incident has shocked residents of the neighborhood in central Kerala. Neighbors reported that they had not seen the elderly woman in days but assumed she was unwell or had gone to stay with relatives. One neighbor, who did not wish to be named, said, "We never imagined something like this was happening next door. It's terrifying."
Local social workers have called for greater awareness about elder care and the need to report unusual behavior. "Many elderly people live alone or with children who may suffer from mental illness. Neighbors should be vigilant," said a representative from a local NGO working with senior citizens.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Kerala Public Health Act. The man remains in custody and is being questioned. Meanwhile, the granddaughter has been cooperating with investigators and has expressed shock and sorrow over the discovery.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward. The health department has also been alerted to ensure proper sanitation measures are taken in the area.
