Pathanamthitta shocker: 20-year-old resort receptionist succumbs after knife attack; stabber held

Pathanamthitta: A 20-year-old trainee receptionist was stabbed to death at a resort in Maramon near Kozhencherry in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district on Tuesday afternoon. Police have arrested an acquaintance in connection with the killing.

The victim, identified as Dilsha, also reported as Dinsha, was a native of Kulathupuzha. She suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck and died shortly after the attack.

According to resort staff and local accounts, the incident took place shortly after 1.45pm. Dilsha had joined the resort staff on September 11.

Dilsha’s acquaintance, identified as Jithu from Keezhukara, allegedly approached her outside the resort building. The two reportedly spoke for around 10 minutes before Jithu allegedly attacked her with a knife.

Onlookers said the suspect repeatedly stabbed her in the neck during the assault. He was also allegedly heard shouting that she had betrayed him.

There were reports that the knife used in the attack may have been purchased online before Jithu arrived at the resort.

Locals overpower suspect

After the attack, local residents reportedly overpowered Jithu at the scene. They allegedly tied him to a nearby tree and handed him over to the police when officers arrived.

Jithu was later taken to Kozhencherry District Hospital for a mandatory medical examination.

Dilsha was still breathing when bystanders rushed her to a nearby private hospital. However, doctors were unable to save her. Her body was later shifted to Kozhencherry hospital.

Police suspect revenge over relationship

Preliminary police investigation suggests that the killing may have followed the end of a relationship between Dilsha and Jithu.

Police suspect that the attack was carried out in retaliation after Dilsha reportedly rejected or ended the relationship. Officers also suspect that Jithu had arrived at the resort intending to attack her.

The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances leading to the assault and the sequence of events at the resort.