OTTAPALAM: The incident where the elderly sisters were burnt to death near Kavalaparra Trangali Neelamalakunn last night has been termed as murder by the police. The police have confirmed that the accused is Manikandan (48), a native of Pattambi Njangattiri Mattaya, who was apprehended by locals at the scene. District Superintendent of Police R Anand told the media in Shornur that Manikandan has confessed to the crime and his arrest has been officially recorded with further steps being taken.

The accused was employed as a painter and had become acquainted with the sisters during his work at their residence. He exploited this familiarity to plan a theft. Recognizing that the sisters, who were retired and unmarried, had limited financial resources, he hatched his criminal scheme. The accused arrived at Padmini's house approximately two and a half hours before the murder. Sister Thangam arrived from the neighbouring house after hearing a disturbance while attempting to thwart the robbery. When the sisters resisted, he turned on the gas and set fire to the premises.

A neighbour's housewife witnessed the accused emerging from the scene and promptly alerted nearby auto drivers. Manikandan sustained injuries to his neck and face during the incident. The stolen necklace and bangle were discovered concealed in his private parts.

The police have determined that the cause of the sisters' death was due to burns. Manikandan has a history of multiple cases including some at the Trithala police station. Following post-mortem examinations, the bodies were cremated.