Onam celebration, social media post, video call with family; Mystery remains in California double murder

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two days ago, the Malayali community in California's Milpitas celebrated Onam boisterously. Be it for sadhya, floral carpet designing, or clicking photos, Anila, Ann Marie and Anjana were together. The photos were posted on social media, and the joy on their faces brought many likes and comments. It is this 'joy' seen on their faces that has confounded the community in California. What might have gone wrong within these two days for Anila to murder her two friends? Many questions remain unanswered.

Anila, a native of Moonnilavu, Kottayam, is being interrogated by the Milpitas police. It is reported that she confessed to the crime. Anila had been frustrated for weeks after losing her job. It is said that Anila was envious of her friends remaining with lucrative jobs while her professional life fell into tatters. Relatives suspect this factor might have contributed to the murder. Both the victims were teachers, and Anila was an employee of a leading private company.

Anila, Ann Marie and Anjana first met in America. The casual friendship soon became unbreakable, and even their families became close. Anila and Anjana lived in the same flat complex with their families. Anne Marie Mathew lived in another house with her family.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon. Thiruvananthapuram native Ann Mathew (40), wife of Jacob (Mithun) of Pallathara house in Kurichy, Kottayam and Anjana Vijeesh (35), daughter of Haridas and Sushama couple in Mudikkode, Thrissur, were found dead in mysterious circumstances. Ann was stabbed to death at her home. Anjana was called out of the flat by Anila and was run over by her car.

Vijesh, who witnessed his wife Anjana lying lifeless after getting hit by the car, is yet to recover from the shock. Vijesh was at work in the apartment when the incident happened. Anila often spoke to Anjana's parents on video calls, and they lived like a family. Relatives told Kerala Kaumudi that Anila behaved lovingly and there was nothing to suspect wrong with her. Anjana’s friends are currently taking care of her daughter Vamika.