Couple found hacked to death in Ottapalam, relative arrested; accused addicted to drugs

PALAKKAD: A couple has been found stabbed to death in Ottapalam, Palakkad. The deceased have been identified as Nalakath Nazeer (63), a native of Thottakkara, and his wife Suhara (60). The four-year-old son of their adopted daughter suffered serious injuries in the attack. The shocking incident occurred around 12 am on Monday. The locals learned about the incident after the couple's adopted daughter Zulfiath ran out of the house with her child.

The accused is Mohammed Rafi, the husband of Zulfiath. Police rushed to the spot immediately after being informed by the locals. By then, Rafi had escaped from the area. He was first seen with a cut on his wrist, but he could not be caught at that time. He ran towards a nearby kabrastan. Later, he was found at around 4 am during a joint search by the police and locals.

It is said that Rafi is an accused in several criminal cases. This information was shared by relatives of the deceased, Nalakath Nazeer. About five months ago, Zulfiath came to stay with Nazeer and Suhara, along with her four-year-old son. She had left her husband Rafi as she was no longer able to tolerate his abuse.

There was a court case between Zulfiath and Rafi over the custody of the child. The court had ruled that the child should stay four days a week with Rafi and two days with Zulfiath. However, after taking the child, Rafi failed to return him. Nazeer and Suhara then approached the court again and obtained an order to send the child back to the mother. The murders took place following this dispute, when Rafi arrived at the house under the influence of drugs.

Rafi had reportedly tried to kill Zulfiath and the child. When Nazeer and Suhara tried to stop him, he stabbed them to death. Suhara was chased and stabbed behind the house. The bodies of the couple were found in the backyard. Relatives said Rafi had earlier been arrested for using drugs, including MDMA.