Arya Vaidya Pharmacy founder Rama Variar’s daughter found murdered at home; maid untraceable

Coimbatore: Kasturi G Kutty (83), daughter of the late P V Rama Variar, founder of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (AVP), was found dead at her residence on Nanjundapuram Road in Coimbatore. Her body was lying on a bed with her hands and legs tied and adhesive tape placed over her mouth. Police suspect that the murder occurred during a robbery.

She had been living with her son at Parson Apartments on Nanjundapuram Road. A home nurse from Nepal was also staying there to assist her. Her son, Dr Ramkumar Kutty, is currently abroad.

The incident came to light on Friday morning after her daughter, who lives in TVH Nagar, was unable to reach her by phone and alerted neighbours. When they checked the house, they found her lying dead and informed the Ramanathapuram Police.

A police team, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Karthikeyan and Assistant Commissioner Vasantharaj, reached the spot and conducted a detailed inspection. CCTV footage shows three persons entering the flat at around 12.15 am on Friday and leaving within half an hour. The footage also clearly shows the Nepali caretaker, Surja Rokki (37), opening the door for the intruders. Police said her mobile phone was later recovered near the house.

Cupboards inside the house were found broken open. A two-sovereign gold chain worn by Kasturi is missing, though it is not yet clear what other valuables may have been stolen. The Nepali caretaker is also missing.

The apartment complex, which houses several residents, has round-the-clock security. A six-member special police team has been formed to investigate the case.

Her husband was Gopalankutty (late), a former director of Arya Vaidya Pharmacy. Her children are Dr Ramkumar Kutty (director of AVP and associated with Velanthavalam Vaidyagramam Hospital), Sujatha and Sushila (Mumbai). Late P R Krishnakumar, former managing director of AVP, was her brother.

The body has been shifted to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. The cremation will be held at 7 am on Saturday at the Nanjundapuram Isha crematorium.