Palakkad: An elderly couple was brutally killed and their three-year-old grandson critically injured after their son-in-law allegedly attacked them at Ottapalam on Sunday night, police said.

The victims, Nazir (78) and his wife Suhara (70), were residents of Thottakara in Ottapalam. Their grandson, Muhammad Ishan, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

The accused, Muhammad Rafi, a native of Ponnani and the child’s father, is absconding. Police have launched a search to trace him.

According to the FIR, Nazir’s daughter Sulfi and her son had been living separately from Rafi for the past few months. Police said Rafi, who was allegedly desperate to gain custody of the child, went to Nazir’s residence late Sunday night.

The attack took place around 11 pm, when Rafi is suspected to have forced his way into the house and stabbed the elderly couple before assaulting the child, the FIR stated.

Neighbours raised an alarm after they saw Sulfi rushing the injured child to the hospital. Police reached the spot shortly afterwards and found the couple dead.

Officials said Ishan has suffered serious injuries, though doctors have assessed his condition to be stable.

Ottapalam police have registered a case of murder and attempt to murder, and an investigation is underway.

PTI