KANJIRAPALLY: A man and his maternal uncle were shot dead by his elder brother following a dispute over the sale of a family property at Mannarakkayam near Kanjirappally. The dead has been identified as Renju Kurien (50) of Karimpanal house and his maternal uncle Mathew Scaria (75) of Koottikkal. George Kurien alias Pappan aged 55, who runs a construction business in Kochi, shot the two. The shocking incident happened at 4 pm last evening. Renju Kurien who was shot in the head died on the spot itself. Scaria who was shot at while trying to prevent George from shooting Renju was admitted at the Kochi Lakeshore Hospital but died around 1 am.

Police said Karimpanal is a popular family in Kanjirappally. A bedridden father, mother and two servants are the inmates of the house. Of the three children, George Kurian who lives in Ernakulam had grabbed two and a half acres of land adjacent to the family home, from his father. His brother Renju, who has business in Ootty, opposed his brother’s decision to build houses in the land for sale, asked him to vacate 50 cents of land adjacent to the family home, for him. A verbal dispute broke out between the two over it. Their sister Renu is in Bengaluru.

Some of their relatives had reached home yesterday to solve the issue. A dispute between George and Renju turned worse when talks were held in the hall of the house. In a fit of rage, George took his revolver and shot him. Renju, who was shot in the head died on the spot itself. Their parents Baby Kurien and Rose were in the next room at the time of the incident. Renju’s body is kept in the mortuary. He will be laid to rest later.

Renju leaves behind his wife Roshin and children Rose Mary, Reesa Mariya, Kuriens Scaria and Rosan. Funeral will be held later.

A team led by district police chief D Shilpa and Kanjirappally DySP N Babu Kuttan reached the spot and inspected the place.