The investigation into the mass murder at Venjaramoodu has reached a pivotal stage on Wednesday with Shemi, the sole survivor of the attack, regaining consciousness. Although she still remains in a critical condition, the investigation team is hopeful of recording her statement on Thursday.
According to official sources, Shemi’s condition has shown slight improvement, with a brain scan indicating some progress. She is currently being monitored in the critical care unit of a private hospital at Venjaramoodu.
The police had attempted to record her statement on Tuesday, but had to abandon the efforts considering her situation. The victim allegedly told doctors that her injuries were the result of a fall from her bed, in an apparent bid to shield her son Affan, the accused in the case.
Affan’s statement
Meanwhile, the investigation has shifted towards the possibility of a murder-suicide pact, potentially stemming from the family’s financial troubles. The statement of Affan, recorded on Tuesday, has led the police to suspect that he might have planned a mass suicide involving Shemi and his younger brother Ahsan.
In order to probe this theory further, the police have entrusted the Cyber Cell with examining Affan’s online search history for any signs of research into suicide methods. Besides, both his and Shemi’s phones have been sent for forensic examination.
Affan, who allegedly consumed rat poison, is currently under 72-hour observation at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. The police are awaiting the approval of the medical board to interrogate him further.
The special investigation team, led by Attingal Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP) Manjulal S., has made considerable progress in the probe. The police have discovered that Affan pawned a necklace, allegedly stolen from his grandmother Salma Beevi after murdering her, and received nearly ₹70,000, a part of which was used to repay a loan of ₹40,000. The police have also identified the financial institution at Venjaramoodu where the jewellery was pawned.
