Kerala Woman Brutally Murdered by Mother-in-Law in Front of Children
A horrific family dispute turned deadly in Kerala's Malappuram district, where a 30-year-old woman was hacked to death by her elderly mother-in-law in front of her own children. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at Karulai near Nilambur, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Victim Identified as Rajila, Wife of Auto Driver
The deceased has been identified as Rajila, wife of Sunil Babu, residing at Pulikkathadathil house in Chettiyil, Karulai. According to police reports, the fatal altercation began around 6:30 AM over what initially seemed like a trivial domestic matter—the preparation of morning tea.
Tea Preparation Sparks Deadly Confrontation
Police investigation reveals that the 72-year-old accused, Shantha, had placed water in a vessel on the gas stove to prepare tea. At that moment, Rajila allegedly approached and poured away the water that was being heated. This simple act triggered a violent response from the elderly woman.
"Enraged by this action, Shantha reportedly grabbed a machete and attacked Rajila on the neck," stated police officials familiar with the case. "As the victim tried to escape, the assailant continued hacking her repeatedly, resulting in fatal injuries."
Children Witness Mother's Murder
Most tragically, Rajila's young children were present during the brutal attack and witnessed their mother being murdered. Sunil Babu, an autorickshaw driver and tapping worker, was not at home when the violence erupted, leaving the children exposed to the horrific scene.
Police Swiftly Arrest Elderly Accused
A police team led by Pookkottumpadam inspector Sanal Raj responded promptly to the incident and took Shantha into custody from the residence. The elderly woman was arrested without resistance and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
History of Family Tensions Revealed
Neighbors have disclosed that arguments between Shantha and Rajila were frequent occurrences, with longstanding tensions simmering between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. "There had been persistent discord in their relationship," confirmed one local resident who spoke anonymously about the family dynamics.
The violent escalation from what began as a morning tea dispute to a fatal attack has left the Karulai community in shock and raised serious questions about domestic conflicts and elderly violence in family settings. Police are continuing their investigation into the precise circumstances and motivations behind this tragic incident.
