A chilling case unfolding in Kerala has sparked a massive police manhunt after a man, out on bail for the alleged murder of his first wife, is now the primary suspect in the deaths of his second wife and her mother. The shocking discovery was made on Wednesday evening in Padiyoor village, Thrissur district, when neighbors reported a foul odor emanating from a rented home.
The victims have been identified as 74-year-old Mani and her 43-year-old daughter, Rekha. According to authorities, the bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting they had been deceased for several days. Preliminary investigations indicate the cause of death was likely strangulation or suffocation, although a post-mortem examination is underway at the Government Medical College Hospital to confirm the exact circumstances.
The prime suspect in the double homicide is Premkumar, 48, a native of Kottayam district and Rekha's husband. What makes this case particularly disturbing is that Premkumar was already facing charges and out on bail for the 2019 murder of his first wife, Vidya, in Udayamperoor. In that case, he allegedly killed her and disposed of her body in a remote, forested area.
Adding another layer of complexity to the investigation, authorities reportedly discovered a handwritten note at the crime scene believed to be from Premkumar. While the contents have not been officially released, sources describe the message as "threatening and hostile," suggesting a troubled relationship between Premkumar and his second wife.
Tragically, Rekha had filed a domestic violence complaint against Premkumar just days before her death. Authorities had scheduled a counseling session for the couple for the coming Monday, an appointment that will now never occur. This detail underscores the potential for escalating violence in domestic disputes and the critical need for timely intervention.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding Premkumar's release on bail after the first murder charge. Concerns are also mounting regarding the effectiveness of the system in protecting vulnerable individuals from potential harm, especially in cases involving a history of violence.
Police have launched an extensive search operation to locate Premkumar, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his involvement in the deaths of Mani and Rekha. The authorities are piecing together the events leading up to the murders, examining the couple's relationship, and gathering evidence from the crime scene.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within the justice system and the challenges in balancing the rights of the accused with the safety and well-being of the community. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on apprehending the suspect and bringing justice to the victims and their grieving family. The incident has also ignited a debate on bail laws and whether they need to be stricter.