Mother stabbed to death, father in jail; Forlorn life of three sisters in Pathanamthitta

PATHANAMTHITTA: Ten-year-old Avani, six-year-old Veni and four-year-old Sravani, the children of Shari (35) and Jayakumar, of Anjanikkal house in Alumthara, Pullad, Pathanamthitta, are too young to decipher the tragedy that has struck their lives.

Avani is a student of SVHSS Class 6. Veni is in Class 2 at Kurungazha Govt. LPS and Sravani are in Anganwadi. The murder that shook the district took place on the night of August 2. The children could only watch, screaming, as their mother was stabbed to death in front of them.

Jayakumar, in an inebriated condition, suspected his wife of having a secret affair, which led to the murder. Shari’s father, Shashi, and his sister, Radhamani, were fatally stabbed when they tried to stop her. All three were stabbed in the stomach and chest. All three were taken to Kottayam Medical College, but Shari died the next day. Jayakumar was taken into custody within two days.

Jayakumar, a native of Kaviyoor and a daily wage labourer, was staying at Shari's family home. Shari had previously filed a complaint with the police over issues with her husband. Jayakumar was released with a warning that day.

Shari's parents are currently taking care of the children. Her father, Shashi, is unable to go to work due to his injuries. Her mother, Savitri, also does not leave her children alone. Shashi and Savitri live with the children in a small two-room house. Their lives are going forward with the help of Shari's brother, Sarath, locals, school authorities, and ward members.

“We need help for the children's education and expenses. We are trying to ensure the necessary facilities. We have responsibilities. We are trying to ensure the children's education.” -Johnson Pullad, Panchayat member.