Karuvatta murder: Grandfather killed after 13-year-old girl alleged he behaved inappropriately

ALAPPUZHA: The man at Karuvatta was killed after his 13-year-old granddaughter allegedly told the accused that he had behaved inappropriately towards her, police said. The boys arrested in the case told police that they had planned to steal gold and cash. This came out during their questioning at an observation centre in Cherthala, conducted by the Haripad Circle Inspector in the presence of the District Probation Officer and with the Juvenile Justice Board's permission.

The first three accused were questioned separately and later together. Police said the 13-year-old girl, the fourth accused and alleged mastermind, and the first accused, her friend, had jointly planned the murder and theft. The second and third accused told police that they joined the plan after being promised money. The plan was to steal gold and cash to buy an iPhone for the girl and a bike for her boyfriend.

Sivankutty Chettiar, 65, of Saraswathi Nivas, Kochalummoodu, Paravur, Kollam, was killed on the 15th. He had been staying in a rented house at Karuvatta. The accused also told police that they showed the murder to the girl on a video call after she asked them to do so.

Based on the statements, police will seek custody of the accused. They will submit a fresh application on September 5. The 13-year-old will be questioned after a decision is taken on the custody plea.

Police also plan to conduct evidence collection with the accused, identify the medical shop from which the gloves allegedly used in the crime were purchased and recover the stolen jewellery.