Kadapra, Pathanamthitta: A 35-year-old man in Kerala has been arrested for allegedly beating his 75-year-old mother to death on Thursday. His female friend was also arrested in connection with the case.

The deceased has been identified as Ponnamma Thomas (75) of Kadapra. Her son Tijo Thomas (35) was arrested by police on Thursday evening following an investigation into her death. Tijo’s friend, Rincy Mol (37), of Sakthikulangara was also arrested.

The arrests were ordered by District Police Chief R. Anand after the post-mortem report indicated injuries that raised suspicion over the circumstances of Ponnamma’s death.

According to police, Ponnamma intervened when Tijo and Rincy Mol got into an argument at the house on Monday night. Tijo allegedly assaulted his mother, after which he placed the unconscious woman on a bed.

On Tuesday morning, Ponnamma was taken to a private hospital in Kumbanad. By the time she was admitted, she had died. Her body was subsequently kept in the hospital mortuary for a day.

Anonymous 30-second call raises police suspicion

On Wednesday afternoon, Thiruvalla DySP PR Santhosh and Koipuram SHO Pankaj Krishna received a call from an unidentified person. The call lasted only around 30 seconds, and the caller reportedly asked them to go and check Ponnamma’s body before switching off the phone.

Pankaj Krishna reached the hospital and examined the body. Police found multiple injuries on Ponnamma’s body, including a fracture to her arm.

When questioned, Tijo allegedly gave contradictory answers. Further investigation eventually led police to suspect his involvement in the death.

Police also said Tijo had little interaction with local residents, making the investigation more difficult. SHO Pankaj Krishna later visited the house and questioned Rincy Mol about what had happened.

According to police, Rincy Mol told investigators that she saw Tijo press a pillow against Ponnamma’s face while she was lying on the bed.

Police said Tijo was a habitual drinker and that frequent quarrels at the house were reported. He was later taken into custody, produced before a court, and remanded.

Police said Tijo has been living separately from his wife following marital differences. Rincy Mol had allegedly been staying with him for more than six months.