Kochi: In a surprising development, two accused linked to the 2006 murder of a woman and two children in Anchal, Kollam, were arrested after 19 years.

The arrested individuals are Dhibil Kumar, an ex-serviceman, and Rajesh, a resident of Kannur. The duo was captured by the CBI Chennai unit in Pondicherry and brought before the Kochi CJM court.

In February 2006, Ranjini and her twin daughters were found dead in Anchal. Investigations later revealed that Kumar and Rajesh were involved in the murder. Initially, police believed the suspects had fled abroad after the murders.

The motive behind the crime was linked to Ranjini's demand that Kumar take responsibility as the father of the twins, which led to the tragic murders.

Following intelligence reports, the CBI intensified its investigation, leading to the suspects' arrest. It was discovered that the two men had been living under different names and addresses in Pondicherry for years.

Despite extensive efforts both within India and abroad to apprehend the suspects, they remained at large for nearly two decades. A reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for information leading to their capture.

The CBI's Chennai unit transported the accused to Kochi, where they were produced before the court. The court remanded them until January 18. The CBI plans to file a request for their custody on Monday and conduct a search for evidence at the crime scene in Anjal.