PALAKKAD: A shocking case of murder-suicide has come to light in Vandazhy grama panchayat in Palakkad district, where a 52-year-old man was found dead by gunshot near his ancestral home on Monday morning.
The deceased, identified as Krishnakumar (52) of Erattukulam house, is suspected to have taken his own life after allegedly murdering his wife Sangeetha (48) in Coimbatore earlier in the day.
According to preliminary investigations, Krishnakumar had travelled from Coimbatore to Vandazhy early in the morning. Upon reaching his residence, he reportedly used a pistol kept in his vehicle to fatally shoot himself. Neighbours, alarmed by the gunshot, informed the police, who arrived at the scene and confirmed his death.
"The incident took place around 8.30 in the morning. We do not know the reason that led to the incident. Police reached the spot and the body is now taken to the Palakkad general hospital for the post-mortem procedures," K L Ramesh, president, Vandazhy grama panchayat, told the TNIE.
"It was revealed that before returning to Vandazhy, Krishnakumar had allegedly murdered his wife, Sangeetha, in Coimbatore. We believe that family disputes may have been the driving force behind the tragic incidents, said a source from the Mangalam Dam police station.
Local authorities in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu have launched parallel investigations.
Crime scene teams are collecting forensic evidence from both locations, while officials are also examining Krishnakumar’s background to understand any past conflicts that could have led to the act, the president added.
Krishnakumar was working in Malaysia. He returned to Kerala and settled down in Coimbatore a few years ago. The couple have two daughters and they are studying in school there. Krishnakumar's parents are staying at Vandazhy and he often visits them.
The police are speaking with relatives and acquaintances to gather more details about the couple’s relationship and any warning signs that might have preceded the crime.