Death staged as sudden collapse? Raju allegedly strangled with belt; wife arrested

KOLLAM: The death of 56-year-old Raju, a native of Vellimon in Kundara, has been confirmed as murder, with police identifying his wife, Lekha Mary, as the accused. According to police, Lekha Mary allegedly attempted to make it appear that Raju had collapsed at their house early on Friday. With the help of neighbours, she took him to a hospital. However, a post-mortem examination found that he had died from strangulation, raising suspicions about the circumstances of his death.

The Kundara police took Lekha Mary into custody and questioned her for several hours. Police said she subsequently confessed to the crime.
A property dispute is suspected to have led to the murder, according to the police’s preliminary findings. During questioning, Lekha Mary allegedly revealed that she had strangled her husband using a belt, police said.
The Kundara police recorded her arrest in connection with the case. Further investigation is under way.