Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A 23-year-old man has surrendered to the police in Kerala’s capital, confessing to the brutal killings of six people, including five family members and his female friend, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Affan from Perumala, is currently in police custody. He claimed to have hacked six people across three houses.

Upon investigation, police found six victims lying in pools of blood at multiple residences. Except for Affan's mother, all others had succumbed to their injuries before authorities arrived. His mother, Shemi, remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

The accused allegedly murdered five members of his own family, including his grandmother, younger brother, and other relatives. The victims have been identified as his grandmother, Salmabeebi; his 13-year-old brother, Afsan; his father’s brother, Latheef; Latheef’s wife, Shahida; and Farsana, who is suspected to have been Affan’s girlfriend.

The brutal crime is believed to have been committed around 4 p.m. Following his surrender, Affan claimed to have consumed poison, prompting authorities to shift him to the Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The officials said some victims appeared to have been fatally struck on the head. Police are investigating the claims and collecting further evidence.

The accused had been living abroad with his father and had recently returned on a visiting visa. His mother was undergoing treatment for cancer.

His younger brother, Afsan, was a ninth-grade student at a school in Venjarammoodu.