They reunited at an alumni meet, held hands; Santhosh confesses why he shot Mini's husband

PILATHARA: An FIR was filed yesterday in connection with the murder of K.K. Radhakrishnan (55), a goods auto driver at Vadakkedath near Maniyara Anganwadi, Kaithapram, Mathamangalam. The police suspect the crime was triggered by the strained friendship between the accused, N.K. Santhosh (41) from Perumbadavu, and Radhakrishnan's wife, Mini.

Santhosh and Mini were former classmates who reconnected six months ago at an alumni meet. During a group trip to Kannur, Santhosh reportedly posted a photo on Facebook of him and Mini holding hands. This led to arguments and tension between Radhakrishnan and his wife. Santhosh is unmarried, while Radhakrishnan and Mini have two children.

According to the police, Radhakrishnan had recently beaten his wife over her friendship with Santhosh. Santhosh confessed to the police that this incident provoked him to commit the murder. The police confirmed that Santhosh has admitted to the crime.

Radhakrishnan, originally from Iritti Kalyad, had been living in Kaithapram for 20 years. The murder took place in his newly built house. He was shot in the chest with a country-made gun.

Locals Mistook Gunshot for Firecrackers

At first, locals thought the gunshot was the sound of firecrackers. Radhakrishnan's son ran out of the house crying and alerted the neighbors. When they rushed to the scene, they found Radhakrishnan lying in a pool of blood on the verandah. He was taken to the hospital but could not be saved. Santhosh, who was reportedly drunk, was found nearby when the police and locals searched the area.