Did the Palakkad family of three leave voluntarily? Police begin probe into missing persons case

Palakkad: A family of three from Vaniyamkulam in Kerala's Palakkad district has been reported missing for the past four days, prompting a police investigation. 

The missing persons have been identified as Babu Bhaskar (68), his wife Ramadevi (65), and their son Vishnu (32), residents of the 'Krishnakripa' house in Vaniyamkulam. According to the complaint, they have been untraceable since Thursday (July 9) morning.

Before leaving, the family reportedly told neighbours that they were going to attend a wedding at a relative's house. However, when neighbours later learnt that no such function had been planned at any relative's residence, they informed the relatives.

The relatives subsequently lodged a missing persons complaint with the police. Following the complaint, the Shoranur police launched an investigation.

Mobile phones switched off, pickup van traced on CCTV

Police said the mobile phones of all three family members have remained switched off. The last recorded tower location of the phones was near their residence.

Police also confirmed, based on CCTV footage, that the family left their home in their pickup van.

Police have learnt that the family, which ran a business, had financial liabilities. Officers are examining whether they may have gone into hiding due to financial difficulties.

Relatives are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation, police said.