Adivasi woman beaten to death; man arrested

KOTHAMANGALAM: An Adivasi woman was found beaten to death at a house in Elamblassery, Mamalakandam. The deceased has been identified as Maya (37), a native of Pinavoorkudy. The police have arrested Malayattoor native Jijo, who had been staying with her.

The murder is suspected to have taken place on Tuesday night. According to neighbours, Maya and Jijo had gotten into a fight after consuming alcohol that night. Locals learnt about Maya's death at around 9 AM on Wednesday. Jijo had called for an auto-rickshaw, saying he needed to take Maya to the hospital.

When the auto driver arrived, he found Maya lying motionless on the floor of the room. She had visible injuries on her head and face, suggesting she had been assaulted. Sensing foul play, the auto driver informed Sreeja Biju, a local panchayat member, who then alerted the police. Maya's body has been sent to Muvattupuzha General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The investigation is ongoing.