‘Afaan first borrowed paternal granny’s ring, demanded gold chain two days ago’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is reported that Afaan, the accused in the mass murder in Venjaramoodu, often demanded money and gold from close relatives. Badaruddin, the eldest son of Salma Beevi, paternal grandmother of Afaan, said his nephew had come home two days ago for her gold chain.

'I heard about my mother's death at 5.30 pm yesterday. Afaan used to come and ask for gold and money quite often. Afaan had borrowed Salma Beevi's ring two weeks ago. Two days ago, he came again asking for her gold chain to pawn. However, Salma Beevi told him that the chain is to meet her expenses when she dies and refused to give it. It was a small chain,’ said Badaruddin.

Afaan reached Salma Beevi's house around 8 am yesterday. When people from mosque went to her house to collect money at 11 am, Afaan was not there. Salma Beevi was found dead when her eldest daughter visited her at around 5 pm. She immediately informed the police station It was at this time Afaan reached the police station claiming to have killed six. It is believed that the anger for not getting the gold and money, may have led him to commit the brutal act.