MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
Share
The shocking mass murder in Venjaramoodu, Kerala, has left the nation stunned, as police continue to unravel the motive behind the gruesome killings. The accused, 23-year-old Afan, walked into the Venjaramoodu police station on Monday evening and confessed to murdering six people across three houses.
However, authorities have yet to officially confirm why he committed the crime.
Did Drug Use Play a Role?
On Tuesday, a senior police official hinted that Afan was under the influence of drugs when he carried out the murders.
Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP K Sudharshan confirmed that there is evidence of drug use, but the police are waiting for his blood test results, which are expected within a week.
Financial Crisis & Family Debt
Another major angle emerging in the case is Afan’s family’s financial troubles.
The family had borrowed ₹65 lakh from 11 different people.
Afan had stolen and pledged property from his grandmother, taking a loan of ₹74,000, out of which he returned only ₹48,000.
According to the police, Afan claimed his family had attempted suicide a few days ago, possibly using the same hammer that he later used in the murders.
The Victims & The Killings
The six victims of the murder spree include:
Afan’s grandmother
His paternal uncle and the uncle’s wife
A young woman, reportedly his lover
Two other unidentified individuals
Afan’s mother survived the attack and is currently hospitalized, but doctors have confirmed that she is out of danger.
How the Murders Took Place
The killings took place across three different houses, spread over 20-25 kilometers.
Afan is suspected to have traveled between the locations on his motorbike.
Police haven’t officially disclosed the sequence of murders yet.
After confessing, Afan claimed to have consumed poison, and he is now hospitalized at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. His arrest has not been formally recorded yet.
Shock Among Neighbors & Relatives
Those who knew Afan describe him as soft-spoken, well-mannered, and caring.
A local tea-shop owner near his house expressed disbelief, saying:
"I cannot believe he did it. He was a good boy. There is not a single bad thing we can say about him. He loved his younger brother and took care of him."
Even relatives and neighbors are struggling to comprehend how someone who seemed so mild-mannered could commit such a horrific act.
What’s Next?
Police are verifying financial records and cross-checking Afan’s statements.
His blood test results will confirm if drugs played a role.
Authorities are still investigating the exact motive behind the killings.
The Venjaramoodu massacre is one of the most gruesome crimes in Kerala’s recent history, raising questions about mental health, financial stress, and possible drug abuse.
_458360041_124x80.jpg)
