Alappuzha horror: Subhadra murdered for gold, identified by distinctive knee knot

Kalavoor (Alappuzha): A chilling discovery in Kalavoor has shocked the community. The body of 73-year-old Subhadra, who had been missing from her home in Ernakulam, was found buried in a pit at a rented house in Kalavoor. The investigation has led to the hunt for a couple who rented the house, with suspicions mounting around their involvement in the crime.

A grim discovery

On September 10, 2024, Ajay, a construction worker, was called to dig a pit in the backyard of the house rented by Mathews and Sharmila. To his horror, when he returned the next day, he discovered that the pit had been covered with a body inside. It was later confirmed to be Subhadra, who had been murdered.

Suspicious circumstances unfold 

Neighbours had previously reported seeing someone digging a hole in the backyard about a month ago. This led the police to Mathews and Sharmila, who had been renting the property for over two years. Subhadra, who occasionally stayed with the couple, was identified by a distinct knot on her left knee, which had been used to relieve chronic pain. This detail was crucial in confirming her identity despite severe decomposition.

A web of lies and deception

Subhadra was behind the marriage of Mathews and Sharmila. During their wedding, Sharmila, originally from Udupi, had no family present, and Subhadra played a key role. The couple, known to be reclusive, had little interaction with the neighbours, and Subhadra’s visits were infrequent.

Subhadra’s sudden disappearance led her son Radhakrishnan to file a missing person complaint on August 4. Phone records revealed that Subhadra’s last known call was to Mathews, and her last phone location was in Kalavoor, raising red flags. When authorities attempted to question Mathews on August 10, he and Sharmila had already disappeared, switching off their phones and evading capture.

The search intensifies

The police, aided by a cadaver dog, pinpointed the burial site. After a detailed search, Subhadra's body was exhumed from the pit. It was evident that the murder was driven by a motive to steal Subhadra’s gold ornaments. Investigations revealed that gold items had been sold in Mangalore and Alappuzha, with a suspicious transfer of Rs 27,000 from a jewelry shop in Alappuzha to Mathews' Google Pay account.

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Police on manhunt

Mathews and Sharmila, who were last known to be residing in a rented house in Kalavoor, have been the primary suspects. Reynolds, a friend of Mathews who helped them find their rental, was also questioned but later released. The investigation continues with the police actively searching for the couple, believed to have fled the state.

Community in shock

Subhadra’s murder has deeply unsettled the local community. Neighbours, who had initially noticed the suspicious digging, expressed their shock and sorrow over the brutal crime.