13-year-old girl’s previous enmity led to murder of man in Haripad; Gang suspected to have links with drug mafia

HARIPAD: A contradiction in the statement implicated a 13-year-old close relative in the murder of the man in Karuvatta. Sivankutty Chettiar (65) of Karuvatta ninth ward, staying in a rented house, was found dead Monday morning. His hands and legs had been tied, and there were marks around his neck showing that a cloth had been used to strangle him. Reports also said that he was found naked.

Police reportedly became suspicious of the girl, a close relative of the victim, after finding inconsistencies in her statements. Police have taken the girl of eighth standard and three of her friends into custody. All three are aged 17. The investigation turned toward the girl’s friends after contradictions emerged in her statements. She had allegedly told local residents that Sivankutty had been missing since Sunday. The local residents are shocked by the brutal murder by a gang of teenagers. Reports said the girl had a previous enmity with Sivankutty.

The accused showed her the footage of the murder, including visuals of the crime, via a video call. The girl reportedly shared this information with another friend as well. The girl knew that there were six sovereigns of gold in the cupboard of the house. The police said they had planned to sell the gold and buy an iPhone for her and a bike for the accused. The accused arrived and returned by train. Having links with a drug mafia are also suspected.

The family had been living in the area for around two years. According to local residents, they did not maintain much interaction with neighbours.

Sivankutty had been living in the house with his wife, daughter and granddaughter. His daughter, who is pregnant, had been admitted to Vandanam Medical College Hospital for delivery. His wife is also with her. Only Sivankutty and his granddaughter were at home. However, the girl was not present in the house when the murder was committed. The accused allegedly arrived at the house on Sunday night and entered through the ventilation opening of the toilet.

The body was found on Monday morning. Reports say that the 13-year-old tried to mislead the police. Chilli powder was found strewn all over his body, inside the house and in the cupboard, apparently in an attempt to destroy evidence. Police believe that the suspects had taken the chilli powder from the kitchen.