THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Afan, the accused in the Venjaramoodu mass murder case, was admitted to a hospital after collapsing while in police custody.
According to the police, he experienced physical discomfort while in his cell at the Pangode police station and collapsed early on Friday morning. The incident happened around 6:45 a.m. while he was being taken to the bathroom. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Kallara, where doctors confirmed that he was suffering from low blood pressure. After receiving treatment, he was brought back to the police station.
Police officials stated that Afan has been uncooperative during interrogation. When officers attempted to record his statement again after his return to custody, he repeatedly said he had nothing more to say. Despite his lack of cooperation, police will continue with evidence collection on March 7, starting at the house of his murdered grandmother, Salmabeevi.
Investigators will also gather evidence from the financial company where Afan allegedly pledged Salmabeevi’s necklace to secure money and from the shop where he is believed to have purchased the hammer used in the murders. In anticipation of public outrage and protests during the process, additional police personnel have been deployed, and security has been tightened in the area.
Afan has been remanded in police custody until March 9 in connection with Salmabeevi’s murder. During this period, the Pangode police will complete all formalities related to their investigation. Once these steps are finalised, they are expected to seek custody of Afan in connection with other related cases.
The 23-year-old has been charged with the methodical and premeditated murders of his four family members and his girlfriend at different locations in Venjaramoodu Taluk on February 26.