THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police have confirmed that the death of Rajendran (60), a cook in Kovalam, was a murder. The Kovalam police have arrested Rajeev, a neighbour, in the incident. Police say that the murder was committed following Rajeev's suspicion that Rajendran was having an affair with his mother. Rajendran was found dead on the terrace of his sister's house in Nedumam on the 17th of this month.

Rajendran was staying at his sister's house. The body was more than two days old. The doctor suspected that there might have been use of external force on the neck, which gave an indication that there was something suspicious about the death. The investigation, led by senior police officers, proceeded by gathering information from relatives and other sources. The police had questioned Rajeev on the same day. There are indications that there are fingernail marks on Rajeev's body that occur during forceful acts.

Rajendran was a chef in a hotel in the city. He had been living apart from his wife for years. The murder was committed on the suspicion that Rajeev's mother Omana and Rajendran were having an affair. The police suspect that the murder was committed by strangulation.