NEMOM: A case that was earlier dismissed as a natural death by Nemom Police three months ago has now been confirmed as murder. The police have arrested a 72-year-old woman who was living with the deceased.

The arrested woman has been identified as Santhakumari (72), a native of Ambalappuzha, who was residing in Kulakudiyoorkonam, Nemom. The victim, Ananthakrishna Prasad (68), a native of Thodupuzha, Idukki, had been living with her for the past ten years. He died three months ago due to a head injury caused by a firewood log.

On December 6, Nemom police received an alert about a man found dead in a house. Upon investigation, Santhakumari—who had been staying with the deceased—claimed that Ananthakrishna Prasad, an alcoholic, died due to a fall inside the house. Locals, however, revealed that both Ananthakrishna Prasad and Santhakumari frequently consumed alcohol together and often had arguments. Despite these statements, the police did not conduct further investigations at the time.

Ananthakrishna Prasad's body remained in the mortuary for seven days, but since no relatives came forward, it was handed over to the corporation for cremation after ten more days. Later, the postmortem report raised suspicions, leading the police to take Santhakumari into custody for questioning, during which she confessed to the crime.

Santhakumari, a former employee of the Devaswom Board, had been living with Ananthakrishna Prasad, a hotel worker, for ten years following the death of her husband. The couple frequently argued, especially under the influence of alcohol.

On the day of the incident, a heated argument escalated, and Ananthakrishna Prasad physically assaulted Santhakumari. In retaliation, she picked up a firewood log and struck him on the head, causing a fatal injury.

After the murder, she moved to another house, but the police tracked her down. During questioning, she admitted to the crime, confirming that the death was a result of homicide rather than an accident.