Chennithala (Alappuzha): Local residents are shocked that Smitha, a woman friend, was arrested in the murder of Rajesh (50) of Karthika at Oripram here. Smitha's behavior during Rajesh's last rites had left no one in doubt.

Rajesh was found dead in front of Union Bank near Michel Junction in Mavelikkara. The police later found out that it was a murder executed by Smitha along with two others.

Smitha K Raj was known to Rajesh's close relatives as his friend. They also did not think that such a move would come from Smitha's side. Smitha had told Rajesh's relatives that she came to know about Rajesh's death after someone called her over the phone. Smitha was active in everything from the time Rajesh's body was taken for post-mortem to the cremation. She was there while receiving Rajesh's body after the post-mortem from Alappuzha Medical College and in the ambulance along with the body as well. Smitha also asked Rajesh's relatives if it was wrong for her to offer a shroud for the body.

Rajesh's relatives say that the relationship between Rajesh and Smitha is almost ten years old. Rajesh's wife divorced him two years ago due to his drinking habit. There is a boy in this wedlock, and he was with Rajesh.

According to Rajesh’s relatives, Smitha was very close to his child.

Recently, Smitha was taking care of Rajesh when he was in the hospital. There had been a fraud case against the duo in connection with the marriage bureau they were running together.

The case lodged in this regard with the Thenmala Police was settled later. Doubts were also raised about how the marriage bureau run by Rajesh later came into Smitha's possession.