Cancelled marriage, not political rivalry: Two women arrested for burning policeman’s Royal Enfield Bullet in Kollam

KOLLAM: In a major twist, the Anchal police have arrested two young women for setting fire to a policeman's motorcycle. While initial investigations suggested the incident was a political vendetta tied to a student clash from three years ago, subsequent police interrogation revealed that the crime was driven by resentment over a broken marriage alliance.

Following their arrest, the case took an even more dramatic turn when one of the accused attempted suicide by consuming poison while in police custody.

Incident and injuries

The targeted vehicle, a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, belonged to Vivek, a Civil Police Officer (CPO) attached to the Aranmula Police Station. The motorcycle was parked in the courtyard of his residence in Anchal, Kollam.

According to police reports, the culprits did not just set the bike ablaze; they also poured waste engine oil (kariyoil) across the front courtyard and veranda of the house. Upon noticing the fire, Vivek and his parents rushed outside to extinguish it. However, they slipped on the oil-slicked ground, resulting in physical injuries to all three.

Calculated political misdirection

Initial suspicions pointed toward political outfits. Vivek had previously been part of a police team that intervened during a violent clash between the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) at Punalur Sree Narayana (SN) College.

To exploit this background and mislead investigators, the women intentionally left a three-page letter on the veranda signed under the name of KSU. The letter contained provocative statements, including, "Did you think we wouldn't return?" During interrogation, the accused confessed that the letter was a deliberate ploy to make the crime look like political retaliation and divert police attention.

Identification and arrest

The breakthrough in the investigation came from local surveillance. Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage recovered from the area clearly captured both women arriving at and departing from Vivek’s residence around the time of the incident.

The Anchal police tracked the suspects to Thiruvananthapuram, arresting them from a lodge located near a private entrance coaching centre where both are enrolled as students. The arrested individuals have been identified as:

• Aarathi , a resident of Sooranad, Kollam.
• Gayatri Mohan, a resident of Kattappana, Idukki district. Gayatri is notably the daughter of a retired police officer.

True motive: Broken alliance

The investigation established that the actual motive was deeply personal. Aarathi and Vivek were previously acquainted, which eventually led to their marriage being formally fixed. However, Vivek later backed out of the wedding alliance. Consumed by animosity and a desire for vengeance over the cancelled marriage, Aarathi, with the assistance of her friend Gayatri, plotted and executed the arson attack.

Custody suicide attempt

The case escalated further when Aarathi attempted suicide while in police transit. After being apprehended in Thiruvananthapuram, the duo was brought to Anchal. Following a mandatory medical examination at the Punalur Government Hospital, the police team was transporting them back.

While inside the police vehicle, Aarathi consumed a poisonous substance she had secretly hidden inside her clothing. Upon realising what had happened, officers rushed her to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

The Anchal police are continuing their legal proceedings against both individuals.