Thodupuzha parricide: Son kills 63-year-old mother over money for alcohol

THODUPUZHA: A 36-year-old man allegedly killed his mother at their house in Edavetti on Monday. The deceased was Rachel Joseph, 63, of Mailadumpara. Her only son, Lijo Joseph, 36, has been taken into custody by the Thodupuzha police.

The incident reportedly followed a quarrel over money to buy alcohol. Lijo allegedly hit Rachel repeatedly on the head with a part of a window panel.
The murder took place around 11 a.m. but came to light only around 3.30 p.m.

Rachel, who was separated from her husband, worked as a home nurse in Ernakulam. Lijo lived alone at their house in Edavetty. Lijo, who worked as a scrap dealer, was addicted to intoxicants. Rachel had returned home on Monday morning after attending a meditation programme in Alappuzha. A quarrel reportedly broke out after Lijo took money from Rachel's to buy alcohol. During the ensuing scuffle, Lijo allegedly picked up a nearby window panel and repeatedly struck Rachel on the head. He allegedly left the house around 3.30 p.m. after confirming that Rachel had died.

Rachel's sister Shiny, who lived nearby, later reached the house. She found Rachel lying in a pool of blood inside a room. Shiny raised an alarm and informed neighbours and relatives. The Thodupuzha police reached the spot and examined CCTV footage as part of the investigation.

Lijo was taken into custody from the Thodupuzha market around 6 p.m.

Relatives and neighbours said Lijo had frequently quarrelled with his mother after demanding money for alcohol. The body will be shifted for post-mortem examination after inquest proceedings.