A planter was stabbed to death and four others, including his wife and two children, were injured in an attack following an altercation over slaughter tapping contract of rubber trees at Kapad near Kanjirappally on Wednesday.
Joseph J Njavally alias Ouseppachan 69, a close relative of Minister P J Joseph, died after being attacked with a dagger at his house at Kappad Moonnam Mile between Kanjirappally and Erattupettah.
Joseph’s wife Usha Joseph, 65; sons Rijo Joseph 38, Apu Joseph 35 and their helper Biju 28, a native of Thumpamada near Kappad, have been admitted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital.
After the incident, one person, Antony Chamakkalayil alias Kuttichan 60, a native of Chemmalamattam, has surrendered at Thidanad police station.
Kottayam:Antony Chamakkalayil alias Kuttichan 60, a native of Chemmalamattam near Eerattupetta, who attacked the planter surrendered at the Thidanad police station soon after the incident.
According to the police, Antony had taken 1,500 rubber trees for slaughter-tapping on a three-year contract for nearly `1 crore. Antony reportedly had paid half of the amount initially.
On Wednesday Antony came to the house of Joseph and an altercation started as Antony demanded a reduction in contract amount, as he had suffered a huge loss.
According to the police, Antony allegedly stabbed Joseph around 9.45 am. He also attacked Usha, Rijo, Apu and Biju. He allegedly threatened some of the workers who tried to foil the attack.
Antony sped away from the scene after placing the dagger over a barrel near the gate of the house and later surrendered at the Thidanad police station, nearly six kilometres away from the spot.
Joseph’s life could not be saved though he was taken to Kanjirappally taluk hospital. The injured were shifted to Kottayam Medical College Hospital and a surgery was performed on Apu immediately.
Joseph is a close relative of Minister P J Joseph and was a member of the state secretariat of the Kerala Congress (M). He had also served as the president of Kanjirappally Service Cooperative Bank and as a director of Kerala Financial Corporation.
Joseph’s funeral will be held at the cemetery of the Kappad Mar Sleeba church on Monday.