KOTTAYAM: In a chilling incident that has left the local community in shock, an elderly couple was found brutally murdered in their home in Thiruvathukkal, Kottayam, on Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025. The victims, identified as 71-year-old Vijayakumar, owner of the Indraprastham Auditorium, and his 65-year-old wife Meera, were discovered by their domestic help, who arrived at the house around 8:15 AM.
The domestic worker, suspicious after finding the back door closed, entered through the front door, which was partially blocked by a grinding stone. Upon entering, she was met with a horrifying scene: both victims lying in a pool of blood, their bodies showing signs of severe trauma, including disfigurement and multiple wounds from a sharp weapon.
According to police reports, Vijayakumar's body was found in the first room of the house, while Meera's body was located in the bedroom. Both were discovered without clothes, a detail that has raised eyebrows and deepened the investigation. A machete was found behind the house, and initial investigations confirmed that this was indeed a case of murder.
Kottayam District Police Chief Shahul Hameed confirmed the murder investigation, stating that personal enmity is suspected as the motive behind the attack. "We are looking into all angles," he said, noting the absence of signs of robbery or forced entry, which suggests that the crime was likely committed by someone known to the couple.
As the investigation unfolded, police began focusing on a former employee—a migrant worker from Assam—who had been dismissed by Vijayakumar a few months prior due to behavioral issues following a phone theft. Reports indicate that the dismissal had caused tension, and locals suggested that this individual may have harbored resentment against the couple.
In a tragic twist, the couple's family history adds another layer of sorrow to this case. Years ago, their son Gautham died under mysterious circumstances, with his body found on a railway track. The family had demanded a detailed probe into his death, which had led to a CBI investigation that is still ongoing. Their daughter Gayathri, who recently married a foreigner and now lives in the United States, has yet to comment on the incident.
Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the area, but troublingly, the hard disk from the couple's home CCTV system was found missing. This missing evidence complicates the investigation, prompting officials to scan nearby surveillance cameras in hopes of uncovering crucial information.
The Kottayam police have formed special teams to expedite the investigation, collecting evidence from the crime scene and interviewing neighbors and relatives. The community has been left reeling from the brutality of the crime, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in their neighborhood.
Minister V N Vasavan described the incident as a "gruesome murder," emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice. He reiterated that police are exploring all possible motives and leads.
As the investigation continues, the police have confirmed that they have taken the suspected migrant worker into custody for questioning, although they have clarified that he is not currently in custody at this time. The focus remains on piecing together the events leading up to the murders and understanding the underlying motives.
The couple, well-known in the community for their contributions through the Indraprastham Auditorium and other business ventures, had been living alone at the time of the incident. Their tragic deaths have sparked discussions about safety and security in the area, with residents calling for increased police presence and community vigilance.
As the police continue their investigation, the community holds its breath, hoping for justice for Vijayakumar and Meera, who were not only victims of a brutal crime but also beloved members of the Kottayam community. The couple's tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unforeseen violence that can shatter even the most peaceful of neighborhoods.
