The gruesome murder of a two-year-old girl in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram has revealed shocking dynamics inside a deeply dysfunctional family mired in superstitious beliefs.
The body of the child, identified as Devendu, was found inside the well of her house in the Balaramapuram area. She was the second child of Sreejith and Sreethu, a couple whose relationship was reportedly strained. Sreethu, who was unwilling to live with Sreejith at her marital home, stayed at her house with her parents and brother while Sreejith visited occasionally.
The murder occurred on a night when Sreejith was present at the house. Initial findings hinted at the hand of a family member in the murder. Police then zeroed in on the child's uncle Harikumar, who confessed to throwing the child in the well.
The post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death, with no external injuries. However, water in her lungs indicated she was alive when thrown into the well.
The police ruled out any direct involvement of the child’s grandmother and father. However, the child’s mother, Sreethu, and her brother, Harikumar, remained suspects.
Harikumar was uncooperative during questioning and challenged police to determine the motive behind the murder. Sreethu initially attempted to shield her brother but eventually broke down. Digital evidence provided crucial insights into their complex relationship, revealing that Harikumar attempted to have an illicit relationship with his sister Sreethu.
Police also found evidence that the siblings frequently video-called each other—even while staying in separate rooms under the same roof. Sreethu had reportedly helped Harikumar navigate certain issues involving women, after which he developed an inappropriate interest in her. She tried not to provoke him, but police believe he saw the child as an obstacle, leading to the murder. However, investigators are still exploring other possible angles in the case.
The family was under severe financial strain, leading to frequent conflicts. With no one to take responsibility for Sreethu, she was moved to a women’s shelter after interrogation. Police will present Harikumar before the court on Friday.
Police are also probing superstition playing a role in the murder, with reports emerging that Harikumar may have resorted to black magic to "solve" his debt woes. Police suspect that Harikumar believed the family plunged into financial constraints after the birth of Devendu.
