MALAPPURAM: A five-member family was swept away in Kuthirapuzha at Amarambalam in Nilambur. It is suspected to be a suicide attempt. Five members of a family staying on rent near the Amarambalam temple went missing. Three of them were rescued. A search is on to trace the other two.

The incident happened early Wednesday morning at 3 am. The locals said the family had financial problems. They also said that there was no heavy rain in the area or large flow in the river at the time of the incident. Moreover, the temple authorities said that people need not come so early to offer bali in the Amarambalam temple. Therefore, the police suspect it to be a suicide attempt.

Two children were rescued first. On being informed, the locals searched and found a woman three kilometres away. Sushila (60) and Anusree (12) are the two missing. The search for them is in progress.