'Mother knew about murder plan, Ashkar had bizarre ways'; Police reveal more details about Nedumangad child murder

NEDUMANGAD: The investigation team confirmed that the toddler, killed by his stepfather in Nedumangad, went through months of demonic torture. Police also said that the mother of the toddler was complicit in the crime. The shocking revelation came when the mother of the one-and-a-half-year-old boy who was killed in Nedumangad, Akhila, and her lover Ashkar were questioned. Ashkar even posed for a photo with the child after he broke both his hands.

Akhila earlier told her family that the toddler had fallen from the stairs leading to the injury. Akhila also revealed Ashkar’s bizarre behaviours, which included telling her in detail the torture he made the toddler went through in a day.

Meanwhile, in addition to sections like murder and child abuse, a case has been registered against Ashkar under the Prevention of Atrocities (SC/ST) section. The investigation will now be led by the Nedumangad DySP. The investigation team is taking Akhila into custody and is moving ahead with the steps to collect evidence. The caste certificates of Akhila's mother and first husband, Akhil, have been collected. Akhila has been charged with abetment to murder.

Ashkar, the boyfriend, confessed to the police that he had repeatedly tortured the child to death. Ashkar said that he killed the toddler as he feared he would be an obstacle for Akhila and Ashkar to live together. Earlier, the police inquest had recorded 51 injuries on the child's body.