THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police said that Harikumar's deep resentment towards his sister Sreethu led to the murder of Sreethu's two-year-old daughter Devendu in Kottukalkonam, Balaramapuram. According to the remand report, Harikumar felt that his sister’s affection towards him had diminished after she began caring for the child. Additionally, it mentions that Sreethu's disapproval of his extramarital affair further fueled his hostility. The report also reveals that even the child's crying was intolerable to him.

Harikumar, who was presented before the Neyyattinkara court, has been remanded for 14 days. No lawyers appeared on his behalf in court. The Balaramapuram police plan to file a custody application tomorrow for further interrogation. Meanwhile, Harikumar reportedly gave contradictory statements during questioning.

When asked why he murdered the child, he initially said he did not know. Upon repeated questioning, he gave contradictory answers, at one point claiming that he acted on impulse, but later changed his statement. His responses regarding his sister Sreethu were also inconsistent.

Hari's family had previously informed the police that he had a history of mental health issues. His behaviour during questioning was also erratic—he would cry and then suddenly laugh. At times, he became aggressive towards the police and refused to eat or drink anything except water.

Hari was interrogated by a team comprising Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP K.S. Sudarshan, Neyyattinkara DySP S. Shaji and Balaramapuram SHO Dharmajith P.S.