THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The shocking mass murder in Venjarammoodu, which rocked the conscience of Malayalis, was driven by the accused's desire for a lavish lifestyle that far exceeded his family's financial reality.

Afan's family had been under severe financial pressure due to his father’s debts abroad. His father, Rahim, had been stuck in Saudi Arabia for the past seven years, reportedly unable to return due to a travel ban imposed four years ago. He had been involved in the vehicle spare parts business in Dammam and was struggling with an estimated debt of nearly one crore rupees. Despite these financial troubles, Afan lived extravagantly, owning luxury vehicles and indulging in a luxurious lifestyle. He harboured resentment toward those who criticized his spending habits.

To settle his father's debts, Afan had taken out a loan and, as financial pressures mounted, he made the horrific decision to take his own life—after first killing his brother, relatives, and girlfriend. Over the course of a few hours, he brutally murdered five people before attempting suicide by poisoning himself.

Afan is currently receiving treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital under police custody but has refused to cooperate with medical staff.

According to police, Afan’s uncle, Latheef, was strongly opposed to his lifestyle and had refused to give him money when asked. On the day of the killings, Latheef had visited Afan’s house. This disagreement is believed to have fueled the violent rampage.

Before killing his relatives, Afan strangled his mother, Shami and locked her in a room, thinking that she was dead. He then proceeded to kill three family members, after which he went to a bar, drank alcohol, and returned to murder his girlfriend Farsana, and his younger brother Afsan. He then struck Shami’s head with a hammer in an attempt to kill her.

'Fell on the floor'; mother tried to protect Afan
Shami, who is currently admitted to the intensive care unit at Gokulam Medical College in Venjarammoodu, has not yet been informed about the murders. When questioned by a magistrate, she attempted to protect Afan, claiming that her injuries were caused by a fall. She remains unaware that her younger son Afsan and others were killed by Afan. Upon regaining consciousness, she tearfully inquired about Afsan, expressing a desire to see him, but did not ask about Afan.

Shami suffered severe injuries, including multiple facial fractures, and has 13 stitches on her head due to the attack. She is currently unable to fully open her mouth.

Bodies buried
The victims were laid to rest in two locations. Afan’s brother Afsan (13), uncle Latheef (60), Latheef’s wife Sajitha Beevi (55), and grandmother Salma Beevi (95) were buried side by side at Pangode Juma Masjid. His girlfriend, Farsana (22), was laid to rest at Kattumurakkal Juma Masjid in Chirayinkeezhu.