Autorickshaw driver killed: Uncle murders nephew over suspected affair with wife

IDUKKI: A tragic incident unfolded in the heart of Thukkupalam on Sunday evening, leaving an autorickshaw driver dead and two others injured following a stabbing attack by a relative.

The victim, 44-year-old Ratheesh C. Nair, was attacked around 6:50 p.m. in front of the AMM store in Thukkupalam town. According to police, the accused, 40-year-old Anoop—who is the victim's paternal uncle—intercepted the autorickshaw in which Ratheesh and two friends were travelling.

Anoop reportedly pulled Ratheesh from the vehicle and stabbed him multiple times. Despite being rushed to a private hospital in Nedumkandam, Ratheesh succumbed to his injuries.

Two of Ratheesh's friends, Sachu Babu and Sanal, attempted to intervene during the attack but were also stabbed by the assailant. Both men were admitted to a private hospital in Thukkupalam; authorities have stated that their injuries are not life-threatening.

The Nedumkandam police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and took Anoop into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest the motive was a longstanding family dispute, with the accused allegedly suspecting the victim of having an affair with his wife.

The body of the deceased has been moved to the morgue at Nedumkandam Medical Trust Hospital. The police have registered a case, and a formal investigation is currently underway.