Kalady (Ernakulam, Kerala): The investigation into the death of 19-year-old aviation student Chithrapriya in Malayattoor has taken a significant turn after her friend Alan confessed to killing her. The confession came during extended police questioning based on CCTV footage showing the duo together in the early hours of Sunday near Mundangamattom.

Chithrapriya had left her home on Saturday, telling her family she was going to a nearby shop, but she did not return. Concerned, her parents filed a missing-person complaint with the Kalady police, prompting a search operation. Her body was later found on Tuesday in an abandoned plot near Malayattoor. Preliminary investigations suggest she died after being hit on the head with a stone, leaving deep wounds. Bloodstains were also found near the stones at the site.

The police said the breakthrough in the case came after reviewing CCTV footage timestamped 1:53 am on Sunday, which showed Chithrapriya riding with Alan on a bike, with another person riding ahead of them. Alan was initially questioned and claimed he had dropped her off in the area. He was released, but after the body was found, he was summoned again for questioning. During extended interrogation, he admitted to the murder, stating that the attack occurred during an argument while he was under the influence of alcohol.

Alan remains in police custody as authorities continue the investigation. A post-mortem examination is being conducted at Kalamassery Medical College, and a detailed forensic inquiry is underway to confirm the exact cause of death. Police have said that further legal action will follow once the post-mortem report and other evidence are available.